ISLAMABAD: Google has officially opened its office in Pakistan, marking a new phase in the technology company’s engagement with the country’s digital economy.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif inaugurated the office at a ceremony at the Prime Minister House in Islamabad on August 18, attended by federal ministers, senior government officials and a Google delegation led by Wilson White, Vice President for Government Affairs and Public Policy. The prime minister and Google representatives also unveiled a commemorative plaque at the ceremony.
Farhan Qureshi, Cluster Director for Google Pakistan, the Philippines and Thailand, said the company’s local presence reflected its confidence in Pakistan’s digital potential and talent.
According to Google, the new office will help expand its existing partnerships and programmes focused on digital skills, developers, artificial intelligence, entrepreneurship, digital literacy and technology adoption.
Google highlights digital-skilling initiatives
Google said it has awarded 350,000 Career Certificate scholarships in Pakistan since 2022 as part of its digital-skilling efforts. The company said more than 80% of graduates reported securing a new job or growing their business within six months of completing the programme.
The company also said its Google Developer Groups have reached around 300,000 developers, while its AI Seekho programme has provided GenAI and Google Cloud training to 50,000 developers.
Through its Think Apps and App Design Masterclasses initiatives, Google said it has supported 120 local gaming and app studios developing products for global markets.
Local Chromebook production
Google also highlighted the local Chromebook assembly initiative launched with Tech Valley, Allied and the National Radio and Telecommunication Corporation.
The initiative aims to produce 500,000 Chromebooks locally, with the project expected to support education, employment and technology-related exports.
Google has previously worked with Pakistani partners on local Chromebook production, including a 2024 initiative targeting half a million devices.
Focus on AI and digital literacy
The company said its Digital Safar initiative has trained more than 300,000 students and 5,000 educators in digital citizenship.
Google also said its broader upskilling programmes have reached more than one million teachers, students, developers and creators with digital skills.
According to the company’s Economic Impact Report, Google’s products and programmes generated PKR 3.9 trillion in economic benefits for Pakistani businesses and households while supporting approximately 965,000 jobs.
With a permanent local presence now established, Google said it plans to scale its programmes in collaboration with the government and Pakistan’s wider digital ecosystem.
The company described its broader objective as supporting a “Future Forward Pakistan” driven by technology, artificial intelligence, skills development and digital exports.
Also Read: WhatsApp Announces AI Scam Alerts to Protect Users From Online Fraud
Today's E-Paper