By Staff Reporter
ISLAMABAD: Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar on Tuesday inaugurated Pakistan’s first assembly line for Google Chromebooks, describing the move as a “historic milestone” in the nation’s push toward digital transformation and broader economic growth.
The launch, held at a ceremony titled “Building the Digital Future, Together,” underscored a deepening partnership between Pakistan and the American tech giant, with commitments to train thousands of developers, establish a local Google office and foster innovations in artificial intelligence and other sectors. “Today marks a historic milestone in that journey as we celebrate the invaluable partnership between Google and Pakistan,” Dar said in his address, which was attended by federal ministers, information technology experts and Google representatives.
Dar, who also serves as foreign minister, emphasised that localising Chromebook production would lower costs and expand access to digital tools, particularly in education. “From the launch of Pakistan’s first Chromebook assembly line to Google’s announcement of establishing a local presence in Pakistan and to the agreement between the Government of Pakistan and Google to upskill our youth, this is a defining moment for our country’s digital transformation,” he said.
The initiative carries significant economic weight, Dar added, positioning Pakistan for job creation, supply chain enhancements and potential technology exports. “The assembly line’s establishment held great economic significance as it laid the foundation for jobs, supply chain, development and future tech exports.”
Under a strategic memorandum of understanding signed between the two sides, Google will collaborate with Pakistan to deliver skills training in artificial intelligence to 100,000 developers across the country, while also rolling out targeted programs for the gaming and startup industries. “Together, we will also advance localised AI-powered solutions, such as Android services for public safety and offer 100,000 Google Careers certificates to equip Pakistanis with world-class digital training and globally recognised credentials,” Dar said. “Google’s decision to open its local office in Pakistan is not just symbolic; it is a moment for national pride and a powerful endorsement of our country’s digital potential.”
The local presence, he noted, would facilitate closer ties with Pakistan’s tech community. “Google’s local presence would bring it closer to Pakistan’s developers, startups and entrepreneurs, enabling direct collaboration, capacity building, and great access to global platforms.”
He offered reassurance to Google’s leadership during his remarks. “Let me assure you, the management of Google, you won’t regret setting up all this in Pakistan… You will be very happy to be here… And in the years to come, you’ll find many multinational and others partners coming here,” he added.
The government, he said, remained committed to cultivating an environment conducive to tech investment and collaboration. “Our policies aim to make Pakistan a regional hub for technology development, backed by a regulatory framework that supports innovations, ensures transparency, and encourages investment.”
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