ISLAMABAD: Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar on Tuesday inaugurated Pakistan’s first Google Chromebook assembly line in Islamabad, calling it a “historic milestone” in the country’s digital transformation journey.
Speaking at the launch ceremony, Dar praised the collaboration between Google and Pakistan, describing it as a defining moment that would make access to digital tools more affordable and inclusive — especially in the education sector.
Boost to Jobs, Exports, and Digital Skills Development
Dar emphasized that the local assembly of Chromebooks would not only create jobs but also strengthen the supply chain, spur development, and pave the way for future technology exports.
Under a strategic memorandum of understanding (MoU), Pakistan and Google will jointly train 100,000 developers nationwide. The collaboration will also develop specialized programs for the gaming and startup industries to accelerate Pakistan’s digital growth.
“Together, we will advance localised AI-powered solutions such as Android services for public safety and offer 100,000 Google Career Certificates to equip Pakistanis with globally recognised credentials,” Dar announced.
Google’s Local Presence a ‘Moment of National Pride’
Highlighting the broader impact, Dar said Google’s decision to establish a local office in Pakistan symbolized global confidence in the country’s tech potential. He termed it a “strategic milestone” that would strengthen the digital economy, attract investors, and connect Google directly with local developers, startups, and entrepreneurs.
He also acknowledged Defence Production Minister Muhammad Raza Hayat and Special Investment Facilitation Council (SIFC) National Coordinator Lt Gen Sarfraz Ahmad for their roles in facilitating the initiative.
IT Minister Calls Move Transformative
Minister for IT and Telecommunication Shaza Fatima Khawaja hailed the Chromebook assembly line as a transformative step that unites technology, manufacturing, and education. She reaffirmed the government’s commitment to accelerating Pakistan’s digital development.
The assembly line — developed by Google for Education’s partner Tech Valley, the National Radio and Telecommunication Corporation (NRTC), and Australian manufacturer Allied — is based in Haripur, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
Expanding to Punjab Next
A Tech Valley delegation led by Kevin Kalis recently met Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz in Lahore and pledged to help establish another Chromebook manufacturing facility in the province to strengthen digital education and local IT infrastructure.
