ISLAMABAD: The Government of Pakistan and Google have signed a landmark Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) aimed at accelerating Pakistans digital transformation, expanding digital skills, promoting artificial intelligence (AI)-driven innovation and strengthening the countrys information technology sector.
The collaboration seeks to support Pakistans ambition of expanding its IT exports and overall digital economy to $30 billion by 2030, while creating new opportunities for young people, businesses and technology professionals.
Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif witnessed the signing ceremony and hosted a special reception in honour of the visiting Google leadership delegation. Minister for Information Technology and Telecommunication Shaza Fatima Khawaja, Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb, Wilson White, Vice President Government Affairs and Public Policy at Google, US Charg dAffaires Natalie A. Baker and senior government officials also attended the event.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif described the agreement as an important milestone in Pakistans partnership with Google and the countrys broader digital transformation agenda.
Its a wonderful day in our partnership. Its a stepping stone towards a long journey of contributing towards a field that is very important, the Prime Minister said, stressing the importance of empowering Pakistans youth with modern technology and digital skills.
He said Pakistan was undergoing major digital transformation, particularly in governance, and highlighted the countrys large young population as an opportunity to transform its economic prospects.
Minister for IT and Telecommunications Shaza Fatima Khawaja said the government had worked over the past two years to modernise Pakistans digital infrastructure, facilitate business activity and expand the countrys IT skills base and human resource capacity.
Google Cluster Director for Pakistan, the Philippines and Thailand Farhan Qureshi said the agreement would deepen Googles partnership with Pakistan and help unlock the countrys digital potential.
He said Google was proud to support Pakistans journey towards a $30 billion digital economy by expanding access to critical skills, advanced AI tools and sector-specific innovations.
The MoU was signed by Secretary of the Ministry of IT and Telecommunication Zarrar Hasham Khan and David Weller, Head of South-East Asia and South Asia Public Policy at Google.
Key Areas of Cooperation
Under the agreement, Google aims to provide 150,000 Google Career Certificates to Pakistani youth in 2026, with the possibility of expanding the programme in subsequent years. The certificates are intended to equip young people with market-ready skills in high-demand technical fields and improve employment opportunities.
The agreement also envisages providing students with access to advanced AI tools, including the possibility of one year of free access to Google AI Plus and Gemini Notebook, to support academic and research activities.
Pakistan and Google have further agreed to establish a dedicated Google AI Centre of Excellence in Islamabad. The centre will focus on training Pakistani youth and human resources according to international technology market standards.
Another major component of the agreement involves the digital transformation of the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR). Under the Prime Ministers FBR transformation plan, Google will support the use of AI to modernise public service delivery, streamline government operations and accelerate digitalisation.
AI applications will also be explored in Pakistans agriculture sector, including crop monitoring, yield forecasting and sustainable farming practices.
The partnership aims to support small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) through digital platforms that can help them access international markets and expand their global footprint.
Pakistan and Google will also explore initiatives to support local application developers and gaming studios, strengthen the digital payments ecosystem and expand digital trade.
Joint Task Force for IT Export Growth
A joint task force comprising representatives from the Government of Pakistan, Google and key industry stakeholders will be established to identify barriers and opportunities affecting IT export growth.
The task force will examine areas including investment frameworks for hardware manufacturing and technology services, improving access to international markets and strengthening the skills of Pakistans human resources.
The government expects the collaboration to contribute to a stronger digital ecosystem, create new employment and entrepreneurship opportunities, enhance technological capabilities and support Pakistans long-term objective of becoming a competitive player in the global digital economy.
Disclaimer: This report is based on the information and statements provided regarding the Memorandum of Understanding between the Government of Pakistan and Google. The MoU represents areas of cooperation and intended initiatives; specific programmes, timelines, benefits and implementation details may be subject to further agreements, approvals and execution by the relevant parties. This report is intended for general news and informational purposes and should not be considered financial, investment or official government advice.
