# Google Opens First Pakistan Office, Signalling Confidence in Country’s Digital Future
**ISLAMABAD:** Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Tuesday inaugurated **Google’s first office in Pakistan**, marking a major expansion of the technology giant’s presence in the country as the government seeks to accelerate digital transformation, boost IT exports and equip young Pakistanis with skills for an increasingly artificial intelligence-driven economy.
The inauguration took place at the Prime Minister’s House in Islamabad during a meeting between Shehbaz Sharif and a nine-member Google delegation led by Vice President for Government Affairs and Public Policy Wilson White. US Charge d’Affaires Natalie Baker also attended the meeting.
Shehbaz, White, Baker and other dignitaries jointly unveiled a commemorative plaque to mark the opening, which the government described as an important milestone in Pakistan’s digital transformation journey.
Welcoming the delegation, the prime minister said Pakistan was undergoing a major digital transformation, including the digitisation of the economy and public-sector governance, under the government’s **“Digital Nation Pakistan”** vision.
He said several initiatives aimed at developing the country’s digital ecosystem were already at an advanced stage, while the government was committed to improving IT infrastructure and expanding training programmes in information technology and artificial intelligence.
Shehbaz stressed the importance of collaboration with global technology companies such as Google and welcomed the establishment of its local office, saying it would further strengthen cooperation between Pakistan and the company.
He also appreciated Google’s contribution to Pakistan’s digital economy and its programmes aimed at helping young people acquire technology skills and access employment opportunities. The prime minister expressed hope that the company would expand its youth upskilling and empowerment initiatives following the establishment of its permanent presence in Pakistan.
### Google backs Pakistan’s digital potential
Google’s Cluster Director for Pakistan, the Philippines and Thailand, Farhan Qureshi, said the decision to establish an office in Pakistan reflected the company’s confidence in the country’s digital future and its young talent.
“We are opening Google’s office in Pakistan because we believe deeply in the country’s digital future and its talent,” Qureshi said, adding that the local presence would strengthen Google’s commitment to accelerating digital transformation.
He said the new office would build on years of partnerships and programmes designed to create long-term opportunities for Pakistanis. He also highlighted collaboration with local partners on Chromebook assembly, saying the initiative could support Pakistan’s ambition to emerge as a regional technology and export hub.
Google Vice President Wilson White briefed the prime minister on the company’s future plans, saying the local office would deepen Google’s engagement with Pakistan and build on existing partnerships to create opportunities for young people and help local businesses access international markets.
White also welcomed the establishment of a local Chromebook assembly line, saying devices manufactured in Pakistan could have potential for export to other regional markets.
He said Google recognised the significant potential of Pakistan’s young population and was interested in expanding programmes focused on IT, artificial intelligence, gaming and other emerging technologies.
### More than one million people trained
Google said its engagement with Pakistan has already produced a range of initiatives covering digital skills, entrepreneurship, software development, gaming, hardware manufacturing and online safety.
Since 2022, the company said it had awarded **350,000 Career Certificate scholarships** in Pakistan, with more than 80 percent of graduates reporting either securing a new job or experiencing business growth within six months of completing their programmes.
Google said its **Google Developer Groups** had reached around **300,000 developers** in Pakistan, while its **AI Seekho** programme had trained 50,000 developers in generative AI and Google Cloud technologies.
The company has also supported Pakistan’s gaming and applications ecosystem through its **Think Apps** initiative and App Design Masterclasses. Google said these programmes had supported around **120 local gaming and app studios**, whose applications have generated significant downloads internationally.
### Chromebook assembly and technology exports
Another key area of Google’s engagement has been the local assembly of Chromebooks.
Google, Tech Valley, Allied and the National Radio and Telecommunication Corporation launched a local Chromebook assembly line with a target of producing **500,000 devices**.
The initiative is intended to support digital education, create employment and strengthen Pakistan’s capacity to manufacture and potentially export technology hardware.
Google also highlighted its **Digital Safar** programme, under which more than **300,000 students and 5,000 educators** have reportedly received training in digital citizenship and online safety.
The programme incorporates **Be Internet Awesome with Gemini Academy**, aimed at promoting responsible and informed use of digital technologies.
According to Google, its various programmes have equipped **more than one million teachers, students, developers and creators** in Pakistan with digital skills.
The company further estimated that its products and programmes had generated **Rs3.9 trillion in economic benefits** for Pakistani businesses and households and supported approximately **965,000 jobs**.
### New phase of digital partnership
With a permanent office now established, Google is expected to expand its programmes in collaboration with the government, businesses, educational institutions and other stakeholders across Pakistan’s digital ecosystem.
The company said its broader objective was to help build a **“Future Forward Pakistan”** by expanding access to artificial intelligence, digital skills and technology-driven economic opportunities.
The development comes as Pakistan seeks to strengthen its IT sector, increase technology exports and position itself as a competitive player in the regional digital economy.
Google’s local presence is expected to provide a more permanent platform for cooperation in areas including **AI, digital skills, software development, hardware manufacturing, online safety and support for local businesses**.
The opening of the office marks a new phase in Google-Pakistan relations, with both sides signalling an intention to deepen collaboration and harness the country’s large young population for technology-led economic growth.
Story by Naeem Asghar
