ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Tuesday said Pakistan and Kuwait share strong brotherly relations, which were set to further strengthen through bilateral economic, investment and trade cooperation.

He made the remarks while addressing a ceremony in Islamabad in connection with the issuance of a digital licence to Raqami Islamic Digital Bank.

The prime minister congratulated Raqami Islamic Digital Bank on becoming the third licenced digital retail bank in Pakistan.

He expressed hope that the bank would not only be Sharia-compliant but would also offer features that would significantly support and promote the growth of banking in the country.

“This development will go a long way in further enhancing bilateral economic relations between Pakistan and Kuwait,” the prime minister said.

He also expressed gratitude to the Kuwaiti leadership for their support to Pakistan at various times.

Raqami Islamic Digital Bank Limited was awarded a restricted banking license by the State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) in May 2025, under the Licensing and Regulatory Framework for Digital Banks to commence pilot operations as a digital retail bank.

Raqami is backed by Pakistan Kuwait Investment Company (Private) Limited, a joint venture between Pakistan and Kuwait governments and Enertech Holding Company KSC, a subsidiary of the sovereign wealth fund of Kuwait, the Kuwait Investment Authority.