October 29, 2025 (MLN): The World Economic Forum (WEF) has formally invited Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif to attend its Annual Meeting in Davos in January 2026.
The invitation was extended by WEF President and CEO Børge Brende during a meeting held in Riyadh on the sidelines of the 9th Future Investment Initiative (FII), according to the press release.
The meeting, requested by the WEF leadership, focused on strengthening Pakistan’s engagement with the global forum and enhancing collaboration across business, investment, and innovation domains.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif welcomed the invitation and confirmed that Pakistan would be well represented at Davos 2026, reaffirming Islamabad’s commitment to deepen ties with the WEF’s international business and innovation network.
During the discussion, the Prime Minister highlighted the government’s comprehensive structural economic reforms, aimed at achieving macroeconomic stability, fiscal discipline, investment promotion, and digital transformation.
He expressed satisfaction with the improved economic indicators over the past 18 months, emphasizing continued focus on export-led growth, public-private partnerships, and harnessing Pakistan’s youth and IT potential.
He also welcomed the WEF’s partnership on resilient food systems, terming it vital for Pakistan’s agrarian economy, and stressed that peace remains the key to prosperity.
Prime Minister Shehbaz further noted that Pakistan’s strategic location positions it as a vital bridge connecting South Asia, Central Asia, and the Middle East.
Concluding the meeting, WEF President Børge Brende thanked the Prime Minister for Pakistan’s active engagement with the Forum and expressed confidence in continuing a mutually beneficial partnership in the years ahead.
Total Advances, Deposits & Investments of Scheduled Banks