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Google has opened its first office in Pakistan, marking a major expansion of the technology giant’s presence as the government seeks to accelerate digital transformation, strengthen IT exports and equip young people with skills in artificial intelligence and emerging technologies.
Google has opened its first office in Pakistan, marking a significant expansion of the technology company’s presence as the government seeks to accelerate digital transformation, increase IT exports and prepare young Pakistanis for an increasingly AI-driven economy.
According to Express Tribune and Business Recorder, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif inaugurated Google’s first local office during a meeting with a nine-member delegation led by Google Vice President for Government Affairs and Public Policy Wilson White.
US Charge d’Affaires Natalie Baker also attended the meeting, where the participants unveiled a commemorative plaque marking the opening.
The prime minister said Pakistan was undergoing a major digital transformation in both governance and the economy, while highlighting the government’s vision of “Digital Nation Pakistan”. Shehbaz welcomed Google’s local presence and said the partnership could help strengthen Pakistan’s digital ecosystem, expand IT infrastructure and create greater opportunities for young people.
He also appreciated Google’s contribution to Pakistan’s digital economy and its programmes aimed at helping young people develop skills and find productive employment. Google’s Cluster Director for Pakistan, the Philippines and Thailand, Farhan Qureshi, said the company’s decision reflected its confidence in the country and its people.
“We are opening Google’s office in Pakistan because we believe deeply in the country’s digital future and its talent,” Qureshi said.
He added that the local office would strengthen Google’s commitment to accelerating Pakistan’s digital transformation and expanding long-term opportunities. Google Vice President Wilson White said the new office would build on the company’s existing partnerships and deepen its engagement with Pakistan.
White also highlighted the potential of locally assembled Chromebooks, saying there was scope for devices produced in Pakistan to be exported to other countries in the region. Google said it has already supported several initiatives covering digital skills, entrepreneurship, artificial intelligence, gaming, hardware manufacturing and online safety.
Since 2022, the company says it has awarded 350,000 Career Certificate scholarships in Pakistan, with more than 80% of graduates reporting either a new job or business growth within six months.
Google also said its Google Developer Groups have reached 300,000 developers in Pakistan, while its AI Seekho programme has trained 50,000 developers in generative AI and Google Cloud technologies.
The company’s Think Apps initiative and App Design Masterclasses have supported 120 local gaming and app studios, according to the report. Another major initiative is the local assembly of Chromebooks. Google, Tech Valley, Allied and the National Radio and Telecommunication Corporation launched an assembly line targeting production of 500,000 devices.
Google also highlighted its Digital Safar programme, which has trained more than 300,000 students and 5,000 educators in digital citizenship and online safety.
The company said its various initiatives have equipped more than one million teachers, students, developers and creators in Pakistan with digital skills. The opening of the office provides Google with a permanent platform to expand cooperation in AI, digital skills, software development, hardware manufacturing and support for local businesses.
The development comes as Pakistan seeks to strengthen its technology sector and position local talent and businesses more firmly within the global digital economy. Google’s local presence could therefore deepen cooperation between the technology sector and government while creating further opportunities for skills development, entrepreneurship and technology exports.
