February 11, 2025 – In a bid to bolster the country’s telecom sector, Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar met with the CEO of United Arab Emirates (UAE)-based e& group, formerly known as Etisalat, on Tuesday. The meeting focused on strengthening ties between the two countries and exploring further investment opportunities in Pakistan’s rapidly growing telecom industry.
e& group, a major player in the global telecommunications sector, currently holds a 26% stake in Pakistan Telecommunication Company Limited (PTCL), with the remaining shares divided between the Government of Pakistan, which holds a 62% majority stake, and the public, through shares listed on the Pakistan Stock Exchange (PSX). The Deputy Prime Minister’s meeting with Khalifa Al Shamsi, the CEO of e& group, and Khaled Hegazy, the company’s Chief Operations Officer, reflects Pakistan’s interest in expanding its telecom sector, which is seen as a key area for economic growth.
During the meeting, which was also attended by several Pakistani officials, Dar highlighted Pakistan’s favorable investment climate and policies aimed at attracting foreign capital. According to a statement from the Deputy Prime Minister’s office, Dar encouraged e& to explore additional investment opportunities within the country’s telecom industry. This invitation comes at a time when Pakistan is working to modernize its infrastructure and boost technological innovation, making the telecom sector an essential part of its economic future.
“Highlighting Pakistan’s conducive investment policies, the Deputy Prime Minister invited e& to make further investment in the country’s telecom sector,” the press release read.
The meeting between the Deputy Prime Minister and the senior executives from e& group is part of broader efforts by the government to engage with international investors and create an environment that fosters sustainable growth. As one of the leading telecom companies in the region, e& has the potential to play a crucial role in the development of Pakistan’s telecom infrastructure and services, particularly as the country looks to enhance its digital connectivity and modernize its communications networks.
The conversation between Dar and the e& executives also addressed ways to enhance cooperation between Pakistan and the UAE in the telecommunications sector. The partnership between PTCL and e& has already yielded positive results, with the latter’s strategic investments helping to improve services and expand coverage. However, Dar’s invitation signals that Pakistan seeks even greater involvement from international firms like e& in its telecom sector, which is considered a critical component of the nation’s technological and economic future.
The Pakistani government has long recognized the potential of the telecom industry as a key driver of economic development, particularly as digital transformation continues to accelerate globally. The introduction of 5G technology, the expansion of internet access, and the need for enhanced communication infrastructure all point to the importance of sustained investment in the sector.
For e& group, which has a proven track record in managing telecom services across multiple countries, expanding its footprint in Pakistan could offer significant growth opportunities. As the company looks to broaden its portfolio, investing in Pakistan’s telecom sector could serve as a strategic move to enhance its regional presence and capitalize on the growing demand for advanced communication services.
The Deputy Prime Minister’s meeting with the CEO and COO of e& is just the latest in a series of efforts by the Pakistani government to attract foreign investment in key sectors of its economy. With the global telecom landscape rapidly evolving, the invitation to e& to increase its investment in Pakistan is a clear indication of the government’s commitment to fostering growth and enhancing the country’s digital infrastructure.
As Pakistan’s telecom sector continues to expand, the involvement of international players like e& will be pivotal in shaping the future of digital connectivity in the country.