Pakistan’s Ambassador to the United States Rizwan Saeed Sheikh has called on Pakistani-origin tech professionals and US business leaders to support an AI-driven economic partnership between Pakistan and the United States, underscoring technology, investment and geo-economic engagement as key priorities.
Speaking at a community event in Boston on Friday, the ambassador said the Pakistani tech diaspora could play a central role in transforming Pak-US ties into a durable economic partnership. The dialogue brought together more than 40 AI and IT professionals, entrepreneurs and executives from Silicon Valley and Boston-based firms.
He said recent high-level interactions and a shared commitment to developing a strategic partnership offered momentum for investment in technology sectors. He added that Pakistan’s shift toward geo-economics and its young, English-speaking population positioned the country to benefit from AI, freelancing and digital innovation.
The ambassador noted that Pakistan was recognised early as a potential tech destination, but geopolitical instability slowed progress. He said economic diplomacy was now the government’s priority, and the expertise of the diaspora was central to advancing AI-related opportunities.
Participants discussed potential collaborations, including skill development for Pakistan’s youth, regulatory frameworks for virtual assets, and expanding freelancing ecosystems, where Pakistan ranks third globally. They also highlighted the strong demand for IT services from the US, which accounts for 62 per cent of Pakistan’s IT exports.
The discussion concluded with an agreement to form working groups on AI education exchanges and investment facilitation, with the Pakistani Embassy pledging support.
During a separate visit to Connecticut, Ambassador Sheikh met Chris DiPentima, CEO of the Connecticut Business and Industry Association (CBIA), to explore avenues for expanding Pak-US economic ties. The meeting was also attended by Pakistan’s Consul General in New York Aamir Ahmed Atozai and businessman Zahir Sharaf.
The talks focused on the operations of more than 80 US companies in Pakistan, the country’s strategic location, and investment potential in sectors such as AI, minerals, rare earth metals, energy, digital economy, aviation and pharmaceuticals. The ambassador said Pakistan’s young workforce, cost competitiveness and improving economic indicators made it an attractive destination for investors.
He said Pakistan’s sovereign rating upgrades by international agencies reflected rising confidence in the country’s economic trajectory. He also pointed to Special Economic Zones and the Special Investment Facilitation Council as key mechanisms for investor support.
CBIA’s chief expressed interest in exploring business prospects in Pakistan. The ambassador reaffirmed the embassy’s commitment to connecting US businesses with Pakistani counterparts and facilitating investment.
