Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif has instructed Pakistani embassies across the globe to take a proactive role in attracting and facilitating foreign investment, declaring investor support a top priority for the government. The directive underscores Pakistan’s renewed focus on economic growth through increased international engagement.

The instructions were issued during the first review meeting of the New Year held in Islamabad. During the meeting, the prime minister emphasized the need for stronger coordination between relevant ministries and Pakistan’s overseas missions to ensure a smooth and investor-friendly experience for potential foreign partners.

According to the prime minister, Pakistani embassies must serve as the first point of contact for foreign investors. He stressed that missions abroad should not only provide timely and accurate information but also offer initial guidance and institutional support to businesses exploring investment opportunities in Pakistan.

The government believes that embassies play a critical role in shaping international perceptions. By actively promoting Pakistan’s economic potential, diplomatic missions can help counter outdated narratives and highlight emerging opportunities across key sectors.

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif directed embassies to create awareness about Pakistan’s investment landscape, including opportunities in energy, information technology, agriculture, manufacturing, infrastructure, and export-oriented industries. He noted that many countries successfully leverage their diplomatic missions to attract capital, technology, and expertise.

The prime minister also instructed ministries to maintain close coordination with overseas missions. This collaboration is intended to ensure that investor queries are addressed promptly and that procedural bottlenecks are minimized during the early stages of engagement.

Officials present at the meeting were told to establish clear communication channels between embassies and investment-related institutions in Pakistan. This would allow foreign investors to receive consistent information and guidance, from initial inquiries to project execution.

The move comes as Pakistan seeks to strengthen economic stability and boost growth by expanding its foreign direct investment base. Improved investor facilitation is viewed as essential for job creation, technology transfer, and long-term development.

Government sources say that embassies will be encouraged to organize investment-focused events, engage with business communities abroad, and identify potential investors interested in Pakistan’s priority sectors. These efforts are expected to complement ongoing domestic reforms aimed at improving the ease of doing business.

Experts believe that empowering embassies to actively support investors can significantly improve Pakistan’s global economic outreach. Clear messaging, professional engagement, and institutional backing are seen as key factors in building investor confidence.

The prime minister concluded by reiterating that attracting foreign investment is a collective responsibility. He emphasized that sustained coordination between diplomatic missions and domestic institutions will be essential to translate international interest into tangible economic outcomes for Pakistan.