- Saudi firms and Pakistan’s IT sector co-develop fintech, e-governance, and smart logistics solutions
Interview with Mr. Hamad Rasool Bhullar, an analyst
PAGE: Tell me something about yourself, please:
Hamad Rasool Bhullar: Basically, I am humble learner in business and financial analysis. I have been working for both the private and public sectors over the last about 35 years in multiple roles with almost 28 years in professional trainings and teaching in multiple areas of Finance, Accounting, Audit & Compliance with Corporate legal issues. With respect to my work with the financial sector, I have been involved in research and training for almost 28 years so far, and conducted over 350 trainings on different aspects of Finance, Business Ethics, Audit and Corporate Governance from basic concepts to professional applications in Projects Finance, Shariah Compliant risk management, investment management and Financial Analysis etc. in addition to the freelance consultancy and Financial Advisory in these fields. I remained a non-executive member on the Board of an Investment Bank for almost 4 years.
My qualifications and experience over the last 36 years, have mainly been in Accountancy, Corporate Law, IT, Economics, Corporate Finance and Islamic Finance, Takaful, Business Turnarounds, Projects Finance, Audit & ethics with Trainings and business advisory in multiple areas of Corporate Sector as well as Public Sector within and outside Pakistan. I have a privilege to have issued the first Sukuk in Pakistan’s Investment Canvas with some other first such initiatives.
PAGE: How do you view bilateral relations between Pakistan and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia?
Hamad Rasool Bhullar: As a matter of fact, the relations between the two nations are considered different from their governments. No doubt that the relations among the common people of the two countries are quite friendly, but as far as the Government level relations are concerned, ups and downs are part of the game. It depends upon how one country is dependant upon the other country, in our case it is perceived in relation to India and Pakistan being compared, which is not fair as India is a much larger economy as compared to us and we have to consider this fact in dealing with KSA as well. Pakistan and KSA have always remained in cordial and friendly relationships.
PAGE: How has Pakistan benefitted from Saudi investors?
Hamad Rasool Bhullar: Saudi Arabia supplies over 30% of Pakistan’s annual energy needs, ensuring a stable flow of crude oil and petrochemicals while some other raw materials are also imported from KSA. On the other hand, Saudi Arabia has remained Pakistan’s largest commercial partner in the Middle East, with exports in textiles, food and building materials while in imports of machinery, oil, and petrochemicals. KSA has supported Pakistan’s highways, railroads, ports, and urban development projects which brought new jobs.
Pakistan is expanding her role in Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 in construction, agriculture, IT services, healthcare and skilled labour and earning foreign exchange. Almost 7 MOUs were signed in the later part of the last year which can be utilised up to $2.8 billion going forward, only 20% has so far been utilized to-date, strategically we can see huge potential.
PAGE: Your perspective on mutual trade between Saudi Arabia and Pakistan:
Hamad Rasool Bhullar: Both the countries are working together in multiple sectors both at Governments level as well as Private sector trade, as Saudi investments are supporting research, healthcare, and education, empowering youth and promoting entrepreneurship in Pakistan, while businesses may take initiatives by taking part in upcoming Jeddah exhibition to connect Pakistani businesses with Saudi importers and brands. There are regular joint exercises in defence sector strengthening regional security and mutual trust between the two governments.
It is not just about Saudi capital, it is a strategic alignment, economic diplomacy with shared development goals. If leveraged wisely, it can become a cornerstone for Pakistan’s long-term growth and regional influence. Visa & mobility issues need streamlining to facilitate trade delegations by filling up the Information gaps among the Saudi and Pakistani business houses, for this purpose the awareness in IT and other popular sectors have to work now.
PAGE: What is your standpoint on use of technology for trade between Saudi Arabia and Pakistan?
Hamad Rasool Bhullar: The Information technology can become a great bridge, where only the IT sector can benefit up-to $2.2 billion from recent MOUs, as mentioned earlier are in software development, digital transformation, and telecom infrastructure. In construction and other skilled services, I have observed that some top corporates have established their IT back-up offices in Pakistan which can be great value for KSA corporates. Pakistani startups and SMEs must directly access to Saudi markets through “LEAP” which has now become an annual event in Riyadh, KSA, next is in April 2026, expected to be the biggest Tech show in the entire regional history. Great opportunity for Pakistani IT professionals in transparent and enhanced licensing, cloud infrastructure, and AI-driven B2B matchmaking, with reduced bureaucratic frictions as Saudi firms are actively engaging with Pakistan’s IT ecosystem to co-develop solutions in fintech, e-governance, and smart logistics, fostering mutual innovations, which can boost funding from KSA in research initiatives being launched in AI, energy tech, and low-carbon solutions, with Pakistani universities and tech hubs with more trust.