Introduction to Financial Sector Reforms
Pakistan’s Federal Minister for Finance, Muhammad Aurangzeb, recently met with a business delegation from the United Arab Emirates (UAE) to discuss potential collaboration in the financial sector. The delegation, led by Syed Zeeshan Shah, Chairman of One Group, expressed interest in partnering with the government to support Pakistan’s ongoing financial sector reforms and digital transformation agenda.
Emerging Trends and Technologies
The meeting focused on emerging global trends in tokenisation, artificial intelligence, blockchain, and digital infrastructure. The delegation offered technical expertise, advisory support, and capacity building in areas such as tokenisation of real-world assets, blockchain-based platforms, AI-driven solutions, and modern digital infrastructure. They highlighted global best practices and private sector innovation that could support Pakistan in enhancing transparency, efficiency, investor access, and financial inclusion.
Collaboration and Partnership
The discussions took place against the backdrop of Pakistan’s recent initiatives to explore responsible adoption of emerging financial technologies. Both sides noted that such technologies, if deployed prudently, could help deepen capital markets, attract international investment, and support sustainable economic growth. Muhammad Aurangzeb emphasized the government’s commitment to responsible innovation, strong governance, and regulatory compliance. He noted that any future collaboration would be guided by national priorities, transparency, and applicable laws and policies.
Meeting with IT Minister
Separately, the delegation met with Federal Minister for Information Technology & Telecommunication, Shaza Fatima Khawaja, to explore the potential of collaboration in Pakistan’s growing digital and technology ecosystem. The IT minister underscored that the Digital Pakistan vision formed the foundation of the government’s digital policies and reforms, aimed at building an inclusive, innovation-driven digital economy.
Digital Pakistan Vision
The delegation was given a comprehensive briefing on Pakistan’s digitisation vision, with particular emphasis on women’s digital and financial inclusion. Shaza Fatima noted that under the Ramazan Package, 500,000 women were digitally connected through the Benazir Income Support Programme (BISP) by opening digital wallets in just one month, marking a major step towards financial inclusion. She reaffirmed the commitment to facilitating global partnerships, enabling innovation, and creating a conducive digital environment to attract international investment and accelerate Pakistan’s digital transformation.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the meetings between the Pakistani government and the UAE business delegation highlight the potential for collaboration in the financial sector and digital transformation. The discussions focused on emerging trends and technologies, such as tokenisation, artificial intelligence, and blockchain, and their potential to support Pakistan’s economic growth and financial inclusion. The government’s commitment to responsible innovation, strong governance, and regulatory compliance will guide any future collaboration, ensuring that the country’s digital transformation is inclusive, sustainable, and beneficial to all citizens.
