Key Points
- World Bank pledged $40 billion for development sectors
- Russia to build $2.6 billion steel mill in Karachi
- Azerbaijan signed $4.6 billion defence deal with Pakistan
- China offered stealth jets, missile systems, and deferred loan
- EU lifts PIA ban; UN appoints Pakistan Vice Chair
- $2.5 billion FDI attracted; more growth expected in 2025.
ISLAMABAD: Under Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, Pakistan has made a series of significant diplomatic, economic, and defence-related breakthroughs on the international stage, according to a thread shared by the Government of Pakistan’s official account on X.
These developments are being highlighted as milestones in strengthening Pakistan’s global image, economic stability, and defence capabilities.
Major global partnerships
According to an official X thread, the United States has voiced support for Pakistan’s position vis-à-vis India, while also confirming ongoing bilateral trade negotiations.
Additionally, the World Bank has pledged $40 billion in development financing aimed at bolstering Pakistan’s infrastructure, education, healthcare, and energy sectors.
Additionally, Russia has signed a $2.6 billion agreement to establish a state-of-the-art steel mill in Karachi. Azerbaijan has approved defence agreements worth $4.6 billion, including the purchase of 40 JF-17 fighter jets from Pakistan.
Meanwhile, China has offered Pakistan 40 fifth-generation J-35 stealth aircraft, KJ-500 AWACS systems, and HQ-19 missile defence systems, alongside a $3.7 billion deferred loan facility.
Tech and labour boost
With assistance from Chinese technology giant Huawei, 100,000 Pakistani youth will receive training in Artificial Intelligence and information technology.
Furthermore, in partnership with World Liberty Financial, Pakistan has laid the foundation to become South Asia’s crypto hub—backed by a dedicated 2,000 megawatts of electricity.
A new labour export agreement with Belarus will enable the deployment of 150,000 trained Pakistani workers, expected to boost remittances and create employment opportunities at home.
CPEC and regional ties
The inclusion of Afghanistan in the Belt and Road Initiative has led to significant progress in Phase 2 of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC). Diplomatic relations with Bangladesh have also been revived after 50 years, marking a historic step toward renewed defence and trade cooperation.
Kuwait has lifted visa and travel restrictions for Pakistani citizens, while the United Araba Emirates (UAE) has announced a five-year multiple-entry visa and pledged $10 billion in investment. Qatar has committed $3 billion in a new economic partnership, and Turkiye aims to boost bilateral trade to $5 billion, further strengthening ties.
EU, UN diplomatic wins
The European Union has lifted a four-year ban on Pakistan International Airlines (PIA), restoring direct air connectivity to European destinations.
Meanwhile, Pakistan has been elected Vice Chair of the UN Counter-Terrorism Committee—a recognition of its growing role in global peace and security.
Pakistan has also formally joined the Hong Kong-based China International Arbitration Centre, providing greater legal protections for international investors. In 2024, Pakistan attracted over $2.5 billion in foreign direct investment (FDI), with optimistic projections for further growth in 2025.
