DUBAI: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Tuesday urged global leaders to enhance climate financing, share technology, and provide multilateral support to emerging economies like Pakistan to achieve sustainable growth.
Speaking at the World Governments Summit (WGS), he stressed that transitioning to a green economy was a collective responsibility. He reaffirmed Pakistan’s dedication to mobilizing domestic resources and enacting policy reforms to facilitate this transformation.
Shehbaz invited private investors to explore Pakistan’s untapped potential in green energy and infrastructure, emphasizing that international partnerships and financial assistance were essential for progress.
“Pakistan’s energy transition alone demands a $100 billion investment,” he stated. Despite economic challenges, he noted that stabilizing the economy had been a key achievement of his administration over the past year.
He highlighted positive economic indicators and the government’s 5Es Framework—Exports, e-Pakistan, Environment, Energy & Infrastructure, and Equity & Empowerment—along with the ‘Uraan Pakistan’ initiative.
“At the heart of this agenda is energy security and sustainability, not only as an economic necessity but as a national priority,” he said. Pakistan aims to generate 60% of its energy from clean sources by 2030 and transition 30% of all vehicles to electric mobility.
He informed the audience that the government was rapidly scaling up solar, wind, and nuclear energy projects. “Pakistan’s southern region possesses 50,000 MW of untapped wind energy potential, while the northern hydro projects can add 30,000 MW of clean energy capacity,” he said.
With 70% of its population under 30, Pakistan offers a dynamic investment landscape in Asia. “Pakistan’s strategic location connects South and Central Asia, and its growing middle class presents promising economic opportunities,” he said.
The prime minister stated that Pakistan was simplifying business regulations, enhancing legal protections, and streamlining approval mechanisms to attract global investment.
To drive investment in key sectors, the Special Investment Facilitation Council (SIFC) was established, focusing on renewable energy, resilient infrastructure, technology and digital economy, minerals and industrial development, agriculture, and food security.
“Pakistan is embracing eco-friendly agricultural innovation under the Adaptation Policy of 2023 to boost productivity, ensure food security, and strengthen the rural economy,” he said. The government is also encouraging agricultural innovation by deploying solar-powered systems.
“Pakistan is at the threshold of a new era that prioritizes infrastructure advancements, economic diversification, and human development. The future is not something we passively inherit; it is something we actively shape,” he stated.
He expressed appreciation for the leadership of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) in hosting the summit. “Dubai is a city where the future meets the present. Let this summit mark the beginning of global peace, sustainability, and a prosperous future for all,” he said.
Regarding the situation in Palestine, Shehbaz reiterated Pakistan’s stance that a lasting and just peace could only be achieved through a two-state solution in line with UN resolutions.
Later, Shehbaz visited ‘The Edge of Government’ exhibition, which showcased global examples of improved governance and innovative solutions. He engaged with experts offering modern solutions to challenges across various sectors.
On the sidelines of the WGS, the prime minister met several world leaders, including UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, UAE Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Kuwaiti Prime Minister Sheikh Ahmad Abdullah Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah, and Sri Lankan President Anura Kumara Dissanayake.
During his meeting with the Dubai ruler, Shehbaz thanked Sheikh Al Maktoum for the invitation and encouraged Emirati businesses to explore investment opportunities in Pakistan. Sheikh Mohammed reaffirmed Dubai’s commitment to strengthening economic and cultural ties with Pakistan.
Shehbaz expressed gratitude to the UAE leadership for their support and the care extended to the Pakistani community in the UAE. Sheikh Al Maktoum praised the contributions of the Pakistani diaspora to the UAE’s development.
In a separate meeting, Shehbaz and UAE President Al Nahyan discussed bilateral trade, economic cooperation, and developments in the Middle East. They underscored the need for increased international efforts to achieve lasting peace in Palestine.
The meeting at Qasr Al Shati in Abu Dhabi was attended by Chief of Army Staff General Syed Asim Munir and provided an opportunity to discuss global governance trends and strategies to enhance government preparedness in navigating global transformations.
Shehbaz also held discussions with DP World Group Chairman Sultan Ahmed bin Sulayem. He praised the recent visit of the DP World delegation to Pakistan, which fostered investment collaboration between the two nations.
Sultan Ahmed bin Sulayem appreciated Pakistan’s ongoing support and reaffirmed DP World’s commitment to timely project completions and exploring new avenues for cooperation. He also announced plans for an exhibition hall in the UAE to promote Pakistani products.
On February 11, Prime Minister Shehbaz met with Kuwaiti Prime Minister Sheikh Ahmad Abdullah Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah, reaffirming their commitment to strengthening economic ties and supporting a ceasefire in Gaza.
Shehbaz also discussed regional and multilateral issues with Sri Lankan President Dissanayake, including efforts to revitalize the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC). They agreed on increasing high-level exchanges to enhance cooperation.
After completing his two-day visit to the UAE, Shehbaz returned to Pakistan, accompanied by federal ministers Ishaq Dar, Khawaja Asif, Awais Leghari, Muhammad Aurangzeb, Attaullah Tarar, and Special Assistant Tariq Fatemi.
