PM Shehbaz Meets Ericsson Delegation, Discusses 5G and Digital Connectivity
NAEEM MEHBOOB:
Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif on Tuesday met a delegation from global telecommunications company Ericsson at the Prime Minister’s House. The delegation was led by Patrick Johansson, President and Head of Market Area Europe, Middle East and Africa at Ericsson.
Welcoming the delegation, the prime minister appreciated Ericsson’s long-standing investment in Pakistan and its significant contributions to the country’s telecommunications sector. He noted that Ericsson has maintained a presence in Pakistan for more than six decades.
The meeting focused on the role of next-generation digital connectivity in driving economic growth, enhancing productivity and improving public service delivery. The prime minister underscored Pakistan’s interest in benefiting from Ericsson’s global expertise in advanced networks, including 5G, while ensuring secure, resilient and nationally aligned digital infrastructure.
Both sides also discussed cooperation in digital skills development, financial inclusion and the expansion of cashless payment systems. The use of technology to strengthen disaster preparedness and institutional resilience was also reviewed.
Prime Minister Shehbaz reaffirmed the government’s commitment to supporting foreign investors and strategic technology partners.
The Ericsson delegation commended the government’s efforts to modernize and upgrade Pakistan’s IT infrastructure, including progress toward the 5G spectrum auction.
Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Mohammad Ishaq Dar, Minister for IT and Telecom Shaza Fatima Khawaja, Special Assistant to the Prime Minister Syed Tariq Fatemi, and senior officials were also present at the meeting.
