Murad Shah says AI-driven governance, digital skills and innovation are key to building a modern, competitive and knowledge-based Sindh
KARACHI (July 1): Sindh Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah led three landmark initiatives aimed at accelerating the province’s digital transformation, including a Google Gemini Artificial Intelligence (AI) training programme for cabinet members and senior officials, the launch of 20,000 Google Career Certificate scholarships for university students at CM House, and the inauguration of Sindh’s first Google Gemini for Education Corner at NED University of Engineering & Technology.
The initiatives, undertaken in collaboration with Google and Tech Valley Pakistan, reflect the Sindh government’s commitment to integrating emerging technologies into governance while equipping young people with globally recognised digital skills required in the rapidly evolving digital economy.
The programmes were attended by provincial ministers, advisers, special assistants, spokespersons, Chief Secretary Asif Hyder Shah, Special Assistant to the Chief Minister on Information Technology Muhammad Ali Rashid, Secretary IT Zulfikar Ali Nizamani, Chairman Sindh Higher Education Commission Dr Tariq Rafi, Chief Executive Officer of Tech Valley Pakistan Umer Farooq, Dr Mazen Abdullah head of Google for Education, Ms Alex Galland APAC Digital Advisor – Google Pakistan and representatives of Google and Tech Valley, senior government officials, university leadership, faculty members and students.
Google Gemini AI training for cabinet members
The CM, Murad Ali Shah, presided over an orientation and training session on Google Gemini AI for cabinet members and senior government officers.
The event commenced with introductions by the Information Technology Department and Tech Valley Pakistan, followed by addresses by the Chief Minister and the CEO of Tech Valley Pakistan. Google-certified master trainers then conducted practical demonstrations on the use of Google Gemini AI and its applications in governance.
Addressing the session, the CM described Artificial Intelligence as one of the most transformative technologies of the modern era and emphasised the importance of preparing government institutions for the future.
He said governments around the world were increasingly adopting AI to improve decision-making, enhance public service delivery and make governance more efficient, transparent and responsive. “Today, we are taking an important step towards preparing the Sindh government for the future. Sindh must be part of this transformation,” he said.
Murad Shah observed that AI had the potential to simplify administrative processes, analyse large volumes of information, strengthen policy formulation and improve service delivery in sectors such as health, education, agriculture, urban planning, disaster management, finance and law enforcement.
He stressed that AI should be viewed as a tool to support human judgment rather than replace it, adding that leadership, accountability and public trust would always remain the responsibility of elected representatives and public institutions.
The Chief Minister urged cabinet members to actively engage with emerging technologies and identify practical applications that could improve governance and public service delivery.
“Our vision is clear: to build a modern, innovative and digitally empowered Sindh where technology enhances governance, improves transparency and delivers better outcomes for every citizen,” he said.
20,000 Google career certificate scholarships for students
Following the AI training programme, the Chief Minister launched the Google Career Certification Programme 2026 and witnessed the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) among the Science & Information Technology Department, Sindh Higher Education Commission and Tech Valley Pakistan.
Under the programme, 20,000 Google Career Certificate scholarships will be awarded to students enrolled in all public-sector universities across Sindh, enabling them to obtain internationally recognised certifications in high-demand digital fields.
Speaking at the ceremony, Murad Shah termed the initiative a transformative investment in the future of Sindh’s youth and the province’s digital economy. “Today is not merely the launch of another educational initiative; it is the beginning of a transformative journey that will prepare our youth for the opportunities and challenges of the rapidly evolving digital economy,” he said.
The Chief Minister noted that technological advancements were reshaping industries and redefining employment opportunities across the world, making digital skills increasingly important for future success.
Through the programme, students will have access to professional certifications in Artificial Intelligence, Cybersecurity, Data Analytics, Project Management, User Experience (UX) Design, Digital Marketing, E-Commerce, IT Support and other emerging technologies. “These certifications are globally recognised credentials that open doors to meaningful careers, entrepreneurship and participation in the digital economy,” Mr Shah said.
Murad Shah expressed satisfaction that the programme had been expanded to cover all public-sector universities in Sindh, ensuring equitable access to opportunities for talented students throughout the province.
The Chief Minister also emphasised the programme’s focus on women, differently-abled persons and students from underserved communities, stating that digital education had the power to remove traditional barriers and create equal opportunities for all.
The ceremony concluded with the formal signing of the MoU by the Secretary, Science & Information Technology Department, Chairman Sindh Higher Education Commission and Chief Executive Officer of Tech Valley Pakistan in the presence of the Chief Minister.
Sindh’s first Google Gemini for Education Corner inaugurated at NED University
Later, the Chief Minister visited NED University of Engineering & Technology, where he inaugurated Sindh’s first Google Gemini for Education Corner, established through a partnership among NED University, Google and Tech Valley Pakistan.
Upon arrival, the CM cut the ribbon to formally launch the facility before attending a ceremony at the Dr Sarosh H. Lodi Auditorium. The event featured welcome remarks by NED University Vice Chancellor Professor Dr Muhammad Tufail and addresses by Chairman Higher Education Commission Prof Tariq Rafi; Google, Tech Valley Pakistan and the provincial Information Technology leadership.
Addressing the gathering as chief guest, Murad Shah described the Gemini Corner as a gateway to the future and a major step towards preparing Sindh’s students for the age of Artificial Intelligence. “Today, we are not simply inaugurating a room or a facility; we are opening a gateway to the future,” he said. “The inauguration of Sindh’s first Google Gemini for Education Corner represents our commitment to ensuring that the young people of Sindh are prepared for the rapidly changing world of Artificial Intelligence.”
He praised NED University for taking the pioneering step of introducing direct access to world-class AI technologies within a public-sector university, enabling students to learn, experiment, innovate and compete globally.
Murad Shah noted that students would not only study AI theoretically but would gain practical experience through daily interaction with Google’s Gemini platform, modern Chromebook devices and cloud-based learning tools.
The CM reaffirmed the Sindh government’s commitment to promoting education, innovation and digital transformation through investments in technology infrastructure and partnerships with academia and industry. He thanked Google and Tech Valley Pakistan for their support and appreciated the leadership of NED University for establishing the first AI learning space of its kind in Sindh.
The Chief Minister formally inaugurated the facility and congratulated NED University, Google, Tech Valley Pakistan, the Sindh Higher Education Commission and the Science & Information Technology Department for making the initiative possible.
The three programmes collectively mark a major milestone in Sindh’s digital transformation strategy by combining AI-enabled governance, large-scale digital skills development and advanced technology education to prepare both government institutions and the province’s youth for the opportunities of an AI-driven future.
