Federal Finance Minister Senator Muhammad Aurangzeb announced on Wednesday that Google will open an office in Pakistan. He described the move as a major step toward making the country a regional IT hub.
Speaking at the Karachi Chamber of Commerce, Aurangzeb said he recently met Google executives in Islamabad. The company expressed strong interest in helping Pakistan build a robust digital ecosystem. “They want to make Pakistan an IT hub,” the minister said, highlighting growing international confidence in the country’s economy.
Aurangzeb noted that over the past 18 months, the government has implemented reforms in taxation, energy, state-owned enterprises, privatization, and public finance. He emphasized that the new $14.5 million investment by Google signals opportunities for both local and international stakeholders to collaborate.
The finance minister stressed that population growth and climate change are major challenges. He called for immediate attention to population management and sustainable economic growth.
Aurangzeb said Pakistan’s economy is now on a stable path, recognized by global rating agencies. He urged the private sector to lead in production-based development, calling it the “only sustainable path forward.” Digitization, he added, will improve transparency and efficiency, while Pakistan aims to become an export hub.
The minister confirmed that PIA’s privatization will be completed this year and announced initiatives to create an AI-driven ecosystem. He stated that artificial intelligence can help reduce leakage and corruption in sectors such as cement, sugar, and tobacco. Aurangzeb also highlighted that Egypt has shown interest in adopting Pakistan-style reforms.
He concluded that building digital infrastructure is critical for AI development, with Google’s cooperation being instrumental in this transformation.
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Sindh Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah described Karachi as Pakistan’s economic heartbeat, contributing nearly half of total exports. He emphasized youth empowerment, proactive governance, and e-governance to improve service delivery.
