Federal Minister for IT & Telecommunication Shaza Fatima Khawaja announced on Saturday that Google has officially completed its registration in Pakistan and will soon establish a local office, marking a significant milestone for the country’s growing tech ecosystem.
The announcement coincided with the commencement of Chromebook manufacturing in Haripur, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. “Around 500,000 to 600,000 Google Chromebooks will be manufactured in Pakistan annually,” Shaza said, highlighting that the initiative will not only create direct employment but also facilitate technology transfer and adoption of best practices.
The Chromebook assembly line, inaugurated on November 4, is a collaboration between Google for Education’s local partner Tech Valley, the NRTC, and Australia-based Allied. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif previously emphasized that local assembly of IT products like Chromebooks would reduce costs for Pakistani consumers and strengthen the country’s foreign exchange reserves through an export-oriented tech sector.
Youth and AI Focus
Shaza Fatima Khawaja also revealed that a memorandum of understanding (MoU) has been finalized between Google and the Ministry of IT, under which tech training will be provided to youth, particularly in artificial intelligence (AI). Talks are ongoing to establish AI labs in Pakistan, further strengthening the country’s capabilities in emerging technologies.
In parallel, Meta’s Llama AI platform has been launched in Urdu, making Pakistan one of the few countries to have localized access to the large language model. The minister noted that the TikTok STEM feed has also been introduced in Pakistan, providing free educational content in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics.
Expanding Tech Opportunities
Shaza further highlighted the entry of Saudi-based Go Telecom into Pakistan through the launch of an AI Hub. This online platform will allow Pakistani freelancers and tech firms to access Saudi markets remotely, creating new business opportunities, generating employment, and boosting exports.
The combined efforts of Google, Meta, and other tech partners signal a major push toward digital growth in Pakistan, bridging local talent with global technology trends while fostering innovation, education, and economic development.
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