Google and Pakistan Join Forces for a Digital Leap
ISLAMABAD — In a landmark move for Pakistan’s digital transformation, Google, Tech Valley, Allied, and the National Radio & Telecommunication Corporation (NRTC) have launched the country’s first Chromebook assembly line. The facility, located in Haripur, will produce 500,000 Chromebooks by 2026, boosting education, creating jobs, and paving the way for exports.
The announcement came during a ceremony at the Prime Minister’s Office, attended by Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar, Google’s leadership, and officials from the Ministry of IT and Telecommunication (MoITT).
A Major Step Toward ‘Future Forward Pakistan’
This collaboration marks a new chapter in Pakistan’s digital journey. The assembly line is designed to:
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Empower students and teachers through affordable digital devices.
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Create thousands of new jobs in the tech manufacturing sector.
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Strengthen Pakistan’s position as a potential hardware exporter in South Asia.
“Today marks a historic milestone,” said Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar. “Local Chromebook production will make digital tools more accessible and help Pakistan take a major stride toward industrial and technological independence.”
‘Made-in-Pakistan’ Chromebooks for Global Impact
Farhan Qureshi, Google Pakistan’s Country Director, said the initiative will directly support the digital transformation of education in Pakistan.
“By delivering ‘Made-in-Pakistan’ Chromebooks, we’re making technology affordable and accessible for every student and educator,” he said. “This effort supports our digital skills programs and positions Pakistan as a global tech hub.”
Google estimates that expanding digital skills training and education technology could add PKR 2.8 trillion to Pakistan’s GDP by 2030.
Tech Valley’s Role in Empowering the Next Generation
Umar Farooq, CEO of Tech Valley, emphasized the mission to empower youth through local innovation.
“This is not just about assembling devices,” he said. “It’s about giving young Pakistanis the tools to shape their own future and drive economic growth from the ground up.”
The initiative will help bridge Pakistan’s digital divide, making technology accessible across schools and universities nationwide.
Google and MoITT Sign MoU for AI and Digital Skills
Alongside the launch, Google and the Ministry of IT & Telecommunication (MoITT) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to accelerate Pakistan’s digital growth.
The MoU focuses on three main areas:
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Expanding Digital Skilling: 100,000 new Google Career Certificates will be offered by 2025. Nearly half of the scholarships this year went to women. An AI Skills Lab will engage 100,000+ developers in AI-first technologies.
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Accelerating Startups and Gaming: New frameworks for the gaming industry, plus Google Cloud mentorship and support for startups.
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AI for Impact: A fellowship for 100 organizations to adopt AI responsibly and explore new applications for public safety and services.
Federal Minister Shaza Fatima Khawaja said, “This partnership brings us closer to our vision of a Digital Nation Pakistan. It will equip youth with future-ready skills and promote innovation across industries.”
Building on Google’s Long-Term Commitment
Google’s ongoing efforts in Pakistan have already impacted millions:
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Over 200,000 Google Career Certificate scholarships since 2022.
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350,000 students and teachers trained in online safety through the Digital Safar program.
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More than 300,000 developers supported through training programs since 2021.
Farhan Qureshi added, “Our growing local presence will help Pakistan unlock new opportunities in an AI-powered global economy.”
Industry Leaders Applaud the Collaboration
Brigadier Azmat Shabbir, Managing Director of NRTC, said:
“This is more than a factory — it’s a platform for national progress. We’re moving toward digital independence where Pakistan can meet its own demand and export technology worldwide.”
Aron Saether-Jackson, CEO of Allied Australia, added:
“The Haripur assembly line is a key pillar in our global mission to close the digital divide. We’re empowering Pakistan’s youth and setting a global model for inclusive innovation.”
Toward a Future Forward Pakistan
With the launch of the Chromebook assembly line and Google’s continued investment in skills, AI, and startups, Pakistan takes a confident step toward a digital, inclusive, and export-driven economy.
This initiative symbolizes more than partnership — it represents the start of a Future Forward Pakistan, where technology becomes the bridge to education, empowerment, and economic growth.
