High Commissioner calls on overseas Pakistanis to invest in Pakistan

LONDON: Pakistan’s High Commissioner to the United Kingdom Tipu Usman has urged overseas Pakistanis to increase their investment in the country. He said the Pakistani diaspora could play an important role in supporting economic growth by bringing capital, skills and international experience to Pakistan.

Usman said new investment opportunities were emerging across several sectors. These include technology, artificial intelligence, real estate, hospitality and infrastructure. He also highlighted the potential of modern technology zones being developed in the country.

The High Commissioner made the remarks during a meeting with Islamabad-based businessman Maqbool Hussain Awan at the Pakistan High Commission in London. The meeting focused on investment opportunities in Pakistan and the role that overseas Pakistanis could play in expanding business and development activities.

Awan was in the United Kingdom as part of an initiative to engage British companies and members of the Pakistani community. He said the purpose of the initiative was to introduce investors and businesses to opportunities available in Pakistan.

He particularly highlighted investment opportunities in tax-free zones. He also pointed to infrastructure projects and the country’s growing technology sector.

Awan said several major development projects were currently being carried out by his business group in Pakistan. These projects include malls, hotels, technology zones and other development schemes.

He said the group was currently undertaking construction covering around 10 million square feet. According to him, the scale of these projects reflected the level of development activity taking place in Pakistan.

Awan also said his business group had expanded significantly over the past two to three years. He said the group had generated substantial business during this period. He argued that the experience showed that opportunities remained available for investors willing to explore Pakistan’s market.

The High Commissioner highlighted the technology zones being established in Pakistan. He said these zones were aimed at attracting international companies and encouraging them to establish operations in the country.

Usman said the technology sector could also help increase technology transfer. He said international companies could work with Pakistani businesses and professionals while accessing the country’s growing pool of young talent.

He said companies from the United States, Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, China and other countries were showing interest in Pakistan’s technology sector. He added that the government was working to facilitate foreign companies interested in investing in the country.

Usman also highlighted tax incentives available under the technology-zone framework. He said qualifying activities could benefit from a zero-tax regime. The incentives, he said, were aimed at creating a more attractive environment for technology and innovation-related businesses.

The High Commissioner also called on Pakistani professionals living abroad to consider bringing their expertise back to Pakistan. He particularly encouraged professionals working in technology, innovation and other advanced fields to work with local companies and young people.

He said overseas Pakistanis could contribute more than financial investment. Their professional experience, technical knowledge and international business connections could also support economic development.

Usman stressed the need for a coordinated effort involving overseas Pakistanis, businesses and professionals. He said such cooperation could help create more opportunities for Pakistan’s younger generation.

He further said stronger engagement with the Pakistani diaspora could support investment and innovation. It could also encourage technology transfer and help expand business activity.