Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif met a Gates Foundation delegation in Islamabad on Thursday to discuss Pakistan’s development priorities, including polio eradication, financial inclusion and digital payments.
The delegation included Dr Kalpana Kochhar and Dr Anita Zaidi, who discussed ways to strengthen cooperation between Pakistan and the Gates Foundation.
Pakistan Reaffirms Commitment to Polio Eradication
During the meeting, Shehbaz Sharif appreciated the foundation’s continued support for Pakistan during various development challenges.
The prime minister reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to achieving complete polio eradication and highlighted the government’s focus on the National Polio Eradication Programme.
He also recognised the Gates Foundation’s contribution to health, nutrition, financial inclusion and support for vulnerable communities.
According to the prime minister, the foundation has played an important role in Pakistan’s efforts to improve public health and strengthen social protection.
Government Pushes Cashless Economy
Shehbaz Sharif also highlighted the government’s plans to expand Pakistan’s cashless economy.
He said digital payments form a key part of the government’s transformation agenda. The initiative aims to make everyday transactions easier, improve transparency and ensure that government funds reach deserving citizens without unnecessary delays or waste.
Moreover, he said joint efforts between the government and the Gates Foundation have contributed to the growth of digital payments.
The prime minister also stressed the need to provide financial assistance to deserving women directly, safely and with dignity.
He expressed interest in working with the Gates Foundation on initiatives that could strengthen women’s financial inclusion and economic independence.
Gates Foundation and IT Ministry Discuss Digital Growth
Earlier, the Gates Foundation delegation also met Federal Minister for Information Technology and Telecommunication Shaza Fatima Khawaja.
The two sides agreed to expand cooperation in technology and development-related areas.
Shaza Fatima highlighted the government’s Digital Nation Pakistan agenda, which aims to promote inclusive digital growth, modernise public services and strengthen the country’s digital economy.
She said international partnerships, particularly with the Gates Foundation, could support Pakistan’s goal of building a digitally empowered society.
Meanwhile, the Gates Foundation delegation appreciated Pakistan’s recent progress in digital transformation. The representatives also recognised reforms and initiatives introduced by the Ministry of IT and Telecommunication.
Pakistan and Gates Foundation Expand Technology Cooperation
Both sides agreed to deepen collaboration across several key sectors.
These areas include artificial intelligence, the digital economy, data systems, health technology, financial inclusion and capacity building.
The partnership will also focus on technology-driven development and initiatives that can improve public services and economic opportunities.
Overall, the meetings highlighted Pakistan’s efforts to combine technology, financial inclusion and healthcare reforms with international partnerships. The expanded cooperation with the Gates Foundation could further support these priorities in the coming years.
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