Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif is on a two-day official visit to Azerbaijan, where he landed in the historic city of Shusha to take part in the Economic Cooperation Organization (ECO) Summit. His visit is packed with significance—not just for regional diplomacy, but also for shaping the future of Pakistan’s economy.
He was warmly received at Fuzuli International Airport by top Azerbaijani and Pakistani diplomats, including Azerbaijan’s Minister of Culture Adil Karimli and Pakistan’s Ambassador to Azerbaijan Qasim Mueenuddin. Accompanying the Prime Minister is a high-level delegation, including Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar, Information Minister Attaullah Tarar, and senior advisor Tariq Fatemi.
During the ECO Summit in Khankendi, Shehbaz Sharif is expected to share Pakistan’s vision for stronger trade, connectivity, and regional cooperation among member states. He is also scheduled to meet other world leaders on the sidelines, aiming to strengthen diplomatic and economic ties.
Back home, the prime minister continues to push forward his ambitious digital reform agenda. At a recent meeting in Islamabad, he underscored the need for Pakistan to transition into a cashless, transparent, and digital economy.
Shehbaz stressed that simplifying digital transactions for everyday use—especially for small businesses—was crucial. “We must make it easy for citizens and merchants alike,” he said, directing officials to double all digital targets across the board.
According to the briefing he received, three specialized committees have been formed: one focused on innovation in digital payments, another on public digital infrastructure, and a third dealing with government payments. The State Bank of Pakistan is also developing an easier and more inclusive digital strategy for merchants.
The numbers speak volumes: the goal is to raise mobile app users for digital payments from 95 to 120 million and increase QR-code-accepting merchants from under a million to 2 million. Digital payment volumes are projected to grow from Rs7.5 billion to Rs12 billion—with the PM now asking for this target to be doubled.
Shehbaz also praised the progress of the Islamabad City app, which now offers 15 digital services and has collected Rs15.5 billion in revenue through Excise and Taxation.
On a separate note, the Prime Minister renewed Pakistan’s resolve to end polio once and for all. While chairing a meeting of the Anti-Polio Task Force, he expressed gratitude to Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman for Saudi Arabia’s strong support in the battle against polio.
Despite ongoing challenges, Shehbaz assured that with joint efforts from international and local teams, Pakistan is determined to protect every child and finally eliminate the disease.
