The Government of Pakistan and Google have agreed to strengthen cooperation on digital transformation and innovation.
Both sides signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) in Islamabad. The agreement focuses on digital skills, technology and IT exports.
Secretary of the Ministry of Information Technology Zarar Hashim Khan signed the agreement for Pakistan. Google Senior Director David Weller represented the company.
Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif witnessed the signing ceremony. US Chargé d’Affaires Natalie Baker and federal cabinet members also attended.
The government and Google sign MoU arrangements aimed at supporting Pakistan’s growing digital economy. The agreement is also seen as an important step toward establishing a Google office in Pakistan.
Under the agreement, both sides will expand digital skills programmes across the country. Google will increase access to its Career Certificates programme.
The company has set a target of issuing 150,000 career certificates in Pakistan this year. The programme is designed to help young people develop skills for digital jobs.
Pakistan and Google will also expand students’ access to advanced artificial intelligence tools. Pakistani students will receive free access to Google AI Plus and Gemini.
The agreement also includes plans for an artificial intelligence centre of excellence in Islamabad. The centre will focus on training young people and technology professionals.
Its training programmes will reflect the needs of international markets. The initiative aims to improve Pakistan’s digital workforce and employment opportunities.
The two sides will also work to strengthen Pakistan’s mobile applications and gaming industry. Their cooperation will focus on improving global competitiveness.
Digital payments and e-commerce are also included in the agreement. The initiatives are expected to support businesses and expand digital commerce.
Pakistan and Google will explore the use of artificial intelligence in public services. AI could help improve government operations and service delivery.
The Federal Board of Revenue will also use AI-powered data analytics. The technology will support its ongoing digitisation programme.
The agreement covers agriculture as well. AI tools will support crop monitoring, forecasting and sustainable farming practices.
Digital platforms will also help small and medium-sized businesses reach international markets. This could create new opportunities for Pakistani exporters.
A joint task force will also be established under the agreement. It will include government officials, Google and other relevant stakeholders.
The task force will prepare a roadmap for IT exports and global competitiveness. It will identify barriers and potential areas for growth.
The government and Google sign MoU commitments that also focus on young people. The partnership will create more opportunities in technology, startups and digital skills.
Officials said the agreement supports Pakistan’s broader digital economy goals. It aligns with the government’s ambition to increase IT exports.
Pakistan aims to expand its IT exports and digital economy to $30 billion by 2030. The latest agreement could support efforts toward achieving that target.
The sign MoU initiative represents broader cooperation between Pakistan and Google. Its implementation will determine the long-term impact on the country’s technology sector.
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