ISLAMABAD: A nine-member delegation of Google, led by Wilson White, Vice President for Government Affairs and Public Policy, called on Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif in Islamabad and discussed opportunities to strengthen cooperation in digital transformation, artificial intelligence, IT skills and the digital economy.
U.S. Embassy Islamabad Charge d’Affaires Natalie Baker also accompanied the Google delegation.
Welcoming the delegation, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif said Pakistan was undergoing a major digital transformation of governance, including the digitization of the economy. He highlighted the governments vision of Digital Nation Pakistan and said several initiatives aimed at developing the countrys national digital ecosystem were at an advanced stage of implementation.
The Prime Minister reiterated the governments commitment to upgrading IT infrastructure and briefed the delegation on ongoing programs to train Pakistani youth in information technology and artificial intelligence. He emphasized the importance of collaboration with global technology leaders such as Google to achieve these objectives.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif welcomed Google’s decision to establish an office in Pakistan, saying the local presence would further strengthen the partnership between Pakistan and the technology giant. He appreciated Google’s contribution to Pakistans digital economy and its initiatives that have helped thousands of Pakistani youth secure productive employment.
Highlighting the significant potential of Pakistans young population in the digital sector, the Prime Minister expressed hope that Google would further expand its programs focused on upskilling and empowering young Pakistanis. He said the companys local presence would provide an opportunity to scale up high-impact digital initiatives.
Wilson White briefed the Prime Minister on Google’s future plans for Pakistan. He said the establishment of the local office would deepen Google’s commitment to accelerating Pakistans digital transformation and build on years of partnership to create long-term opportunities for Pakistani youth while helping local businesses expand into international markets.
White also expressed satisfaction over the ongoing Chromebook assembly line established by Google in collaboration with local partners. He noted the strong potential for Chromebooks assembled in Pakistan to be exported to other countries in the region.
He said Google recognized the immense potential of Pakistans young population and was keen to expand its upskilling initiatives in areas including IT, artificial intelligence, gaming and other emerging digital fields.
During the meeting, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, Wilson White, Charge d’Affaires Natalie Baker and other dignitaries jointly unveiled a plaque marking the inauguration of Googles office in Pakistan.
The development marks a significant step in strengthening Pakistans engagement with the global technology industry and could open new opportunities for digital skills development, technology-led employment, local entrepreneurship and exports.
