Meta shows strong interest in Pakistan’s booming digital economy

Meta shows strong interest in Pakistan’s booming digital economy – Will it create jobs?

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October, 29 2025

ISLAMABAD (Web Desk): Pakistan and Meta have agreed to deepen cooperation in digital trade, e-commerce, and artificial intelligence to accelerate Pakistan’s digital transformation and empower young entrepreneurs.

A delegation from Meta, led by Mr. Rafael Frankel, Director for Public Policy (South Asia), met with Federal Minister for Commerce Jam Kamal Khan in Islamabad to explore collaboration in digital trade, e-commerce, and artificial intelligence (AI). Coordinator to the Prime Minister on Commerce, Rana Ihsaan Afzal, also attended the meeting.

Welcoming the Meta delegation, Jam Kamal Khan appreciated the company’s partnership in supporting Pakistan’s journey toward digital transformation. He said Pakistan’s digital economy is one of the fastest-growing in South Asia, powered by a young population, increasing internet access, and over 75,000 IT graduates every year.

The Minister shared the government’s efforts to strengthen e-commerce, boost IT exports, and integrate AI into the national economy. He highlighted that Pakistan’s IT and ITeS exports grew by 18 percent in FY2025 to $3.8 billion, while the first quarter of FY2026 alone recorded $1.06 billion in exports — a 21 percent year-on-year increase.

He further revealed that the National E-Commerce Policy 2.0 (2025–2030) is being finalized to expand Pakistan’s e-commerce market to $20 billion by 2030. The policy focuses on digitizing MSMEs, improving logistics, and promoting cross-border trade.

Jam Kamal Khan also emphasized Pakistan’s active role in regional digital trade platforms such as the SCO E-Commerce Cooperation Program and MPCEPA. He invited Meta to collaborate through the Ministry’s IT Sectoral Council on AI ethics, digital safety, and e-commerce standards.

Highlighting Pakistan’s latest initiatives, he mentioned the National AI Policy 2025, the Uraan Pakistan initiative, and the Digital National Pakistan (DNP) Act 2025. These efforts aim to promote ethical, transparent, and inclusive AI adoption that benefits SMEs and exporters.

The Minister encouraged Meta to partner in AI skill development programs for youth and to explore a “Meta–Pakistan E-Commerce Accelerator Pilot” to empower digital entrepreneurs.

Mr. Rafael Frankel praised Pakistan’s rapid progress in digital innovation and confirmed Meta’s interest in strengthening cooperation in AI-driven solutions, digital skills, and SME growth. He reaffirmed Meta’s commitment to supporting Pakistani businesses through initiatives like “Meta Boost,” focusing on responsible marketing and online safety.

Both sides agreed to maintain close collaboration to promote innovation, digital inclusion, and safe online practices, reaffirming their shared goal of advancing Pakistan’s digital economy.

This partnership between Pakistan and Meta marks an important step in building a stronger digital ecosystem. With a growing tech workforce and government-backed AI initiatives, Pakistan offers a promising market for global digital platforms. Meta’s involvement could help accelerate skill development, e-commerce innovation, and responsible digital growth, opening new opportunities for youth and small businesses.