Shehbaz, Gates discuss agri-tech and AI cooperation

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Gates Foundation Chair Bill Gates met on the sidelines of the 81st session of the United Nations General Assembly in New York and discussed expanding cooperation in public health, agriculture, digital innovation and artificial intelligence, the Prime Minister's Office said in a statement on Wednesday.

The PMO said Shehbaz Sharif recalled the Gates Foundation team's visit to Pakistan earlier this month and thanked the foundation for its support in polio eradication, maternal and child health, nutrition, immunisation, digitisation and financial inclusion. He reaffirmed Pakistan's commitment to completely eliminate polio and expressed his personal commitment to the goal.

According to the statement, Gates appreciated Pakistan's efforts under the prime minister's leadership and said eradicating polio was essential to protect future generations from a preventable disease. He also praised Shehbaz Sharif's guidance to provincial governments for the nationwide polio vaccination programme.

Minute Mirror reported that Pakistan remains among the countries where poliovirus continues to pose a public-health challenge, making coordinated vaccination efforts essential.

The meeting went beyond polio. Shehbaz Sharif called the Gates Foundation a trusted partner in Pakistan's socio-economic development and said he wanted to broaden collaboration in public health, agriculture, digital innovation and AI.

He briefed Gates on agricultural reforms the government is pursuing, including innovation, biotechnology, climate resilience, research and capacity-building for farmers, the PMO said. Both sides agreed to explore joint work on improved seeds, livestock genetics and emerging agricultural technologies.

The two leaders concluded with a shared commitment to continued engagement for sustainable development, technological advancement and improved social-sector outcomes for Pakistan. Shehbaz Sharif also recalled Bill Gates's earlier visit to the country and invited him to return soon.

Minute Mirror noted that the discussion reflected Pakistan's effort to use technology and scientific innovation to address healthcare and agricultural challenges, while seeking broader international partnerships in artificial intelligence, biotechnology and climate-resilient agriculture.