Pakistan has entered a new digital era with the launch of its first Google Chromebook assembly line, a landmark initiative hailed as a historic milestone by Deputy Prime Minister & Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar.
Speaking at the launch ceremony in Islamabad, Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar called it a defining step toward the country’s digital transformation, symbolising a new phase of partnership between Google & Pakistan.
Dar emphasised that localising Chromebook assembly would make digital tools more affordable & accessible, particularly for the education sector, while also creating new jobs, supply chain opportunities & future tech exports. “This partnership lays the foundation for Pakistan’s digital future from classrooms to corporate innovation,” he said.
Under a strategic MOU, Google & Pakistan will collaborate to train 100,000 developers, create targeted programs for the gaming & startup sectors & advance AI-powered local solutions such as Android services for public safety. Additionally, Google will offer 100,000 Google Career Certificates to equip Pakistanis with globally recognised digital skills.
Dar praised Google’s decision to open a local office in Pakistan, describing it as a moment of national pride & a strong endorsement of Pakistan’s emerging digital potential.
He said Google’s presence would enable closer collaboration with local developers, startups & entrepreneurs strengthening Pakistan’s position in the global technology ecosystem.
IT Minister Shaza Fatima Khawaja called the launch a transformative step, merging technology, manufacturing & education under one vision.
She reaffirmed the government’s commitment to accelerate Pakistan’s digital journey, saying it was a reflection of the country’s youth-driven innovation & growing IT capacity.
The initiative traces back to a collaboration between Tech Valley, National Radio & Telecommunication Corporation & Australia-based Allied, which began setting up the assembly line in Haripur, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
Recently, Tech Valley’s leadership also met Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz, pledging to expand manufacturing into Punjab to boost IT infrastructure & technology-based education.
In a related ceremony, Google Asia Pacific President Scott Beaumont presented the first locally produced Chromebook to Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, who lauded the company’s global & national contributions.
PM Shehbaz reiterated his government’s commitment to achieving $25 billion in IT exports within 5 years & pledged to make governance fully paperless & digitised to eliminate corruption.
He urged IT professionals, freelancers & entrepreneurs to work with the government to realise this vision, stressing that Pakistan’s youth have the capability to lead in the global digital economy.
Google officials echoed this optimism, emphasising that technology-focused collaboration could significantly expand Pakistan’s economic opportunities.
The ceremony was attended by Information Minister Attaullah Tarar, Planning Minister Ahsan Iqbal & other senior officials underscoring a whole of government approach toward digitisation & innovation.
