The Government of Pakistan and global tech giant Google today announced a significant expansion of their partnership, launching the nation”s first Chromebook assembly line and unveiling plans for an enhanced local corporate presence to accelerate the country”s digital transformation.
According to official information, the landmark initiatives were formally inaugurated at a ceremony in the Prime Minister’s House Auditorium by Deputy Prime Minister of Pakistan, Mr. Ishaq Dar. The collaboration involves the Ministry of Information Technology and Telecommunication (MOITT), the Ministry of Defence Production (MoDP), and the Special Investment Facilitation Council (SIFC), alongside Google and its partner, Tech Valley.
The event drew high-profile attendance from senior government and industry leaders, including Federal Ministers for Finance, Planning, IT, and Defence Production, along with the Minister for Board of Investment. Provincial ministers for Education and IT from Punjab and Sindh were also present, as was the U.S. Embassy”s Chargé d’Affaires, Natalie Baker.
Representing the technology partners were Kevin Kells, Managing Director of Google for Education, and officials from Google, Tech Valley, Allied Australia, and the National Radio and Telecommunications Corporation (NRTC).
Marking a historic shift from software development to local hardware production, the new assembly line is based at the NRTC’s facility in Haripur. It is projected to produce up to 500,000 high-quality, secure, and affordable Chromebooks annually by 2026, tailored specifically for students, educators, and the public sector.
This project directly supports national efforts to equip Pakistan”s large youth population-with 64% of citizens under 30-with future-ready skills. The venture is expected to generate employment, provide training for local technicians, and contribute to broader economic growth, complementing Google”s existing digital programs that have already trained over one million Pakistanis.
In a parallel announcement, Google unveiled plans to deepen its local presence in Pakistan. This move aims to provide on-the-ground support to help local businesses scale their operations and enter global markets, reflecting confidence in the nation”s technology potential and the government”s digital agenda.
Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar stated the initiative is a powerful endorsement of Pakistan”s digital potential. ‘With the Prime Minister’s vision guiding our national digital transformation, the Government remains deeply committed to building a digitally inclusive and AI-ready Pakistan,’ he said. “This milestone represents a significant step forward for our digital economy, strengthening Pakistan’s innovation ecosystem and boosting global investor confidence.”
Minister for IT and Telecommunication, Ms. Shaza Fatima Khawaja, described the event as a “defining moment.” She noted, “We are developing domestic hardware alongside our software strengths to empower our youth… and strengthening our technological sovereignty. Locally assembled, affordable Chromebooks will help digitize classrooms and expand access to AI-powered learning.”
Highlighting the industrial significance, Minister for Defence Production, Mr. Raza Hayat, praised the role of the NRTC. “NRTC has dedicatedly worked to establish the first Chromebook assembly line in Pakistan,” he remarked, adding that the venture will create jobs and stimulate the local economy.
Mr. Farhan Qureshi, Google”s Country Director for Pakistan, affirmed the company”s commitment. ‘We’re excited to deepen our investments in people, skills, and innovation to unlock the country’s vast potential,” he said. “We are working towards a stronger local presence in Pakistan, one that will serve as a node for innovation, partnerships, and economic opportunity.’
Experts project that expanding Pakistan”s digital services and e-commerce could add an estimated USD 6.6 billion in export value by 2030. This partnership is seen as a pivotal step in positioning Pakistan as a major tech hub by bridging the gap between youth potential and future opportunities.