Islamabad (TDI): Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar unveiled Pakistan’s first-ever Google Chromebook assembly line on Tuesday, calling it a “historic milestone” that will increase access to digital tools across the country.
Speaking at the inauguration ceremony in Islamabad, Dar expressed pride in the partnership between Pakistan and Google. “Today marks a pivotal moment in our journey towards a more digitally inclusive Pakistan,” he said.
He emphasized that localizing the assembly of Chromebooks would make digital resources more affordable, particularly in the education sector, making it easier for students and institutions to access the technology.
Dar highlighted the economic importance of the new assembly line. He said it would create jobs, bolster the supply chain, and pave the way for future tech exports, while supporting Pakistan’s broader digital transformation.
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As part of a strategic memorandum of understanding, Google and Pakistan will also collaborate on skills development. “We are committed to training 100,000 developers nationwide and rolling out specialized programs for gaming and startup sectors,” Dar announced.
He added that the initiative would help advance localized AI solutions, including Android services for public safety. “We’ll also provide 100,000 Google Career certificates, offering world-class digital training and internationally recognized credentials for Pakistanis.”
Dar praised Google’s decision to open a local office in Pakistan, describing it as a powerful endorsement of the country’s digital potential and a moment of national pride. He emphasized that the move was not just symbolic but a significant step forward for Pakistan’s digital economy and innovation landscape.
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“Google’s presence here will foster closer ties with Pakistan’s developers, startups, and entrepreneurs, facilitating direct collaboration and greater access to global platforms,” he said.
The deputy prime minister also acknowledged the contributions of Defense Production Minister Muhammad Raza Hayat and Special Investment Facilitation Council (SIFC) National Coordinator Lt Gen Sarfraz Ahmad in making the assembly line a reality.
IT Minister Shaza Fatima Khawaja, speaking at the event, called the launch a transformative development, integrating technology, manufacturing, and education. She also reaffirmed the government’s commitment to accelerating Pakistan’s digital growth.
In June 2024, Google for Education’s country partner, Tech Valley, along with the National Radio and Telecommunication Corporation (NRTC) and Australian manufacturer Allied, announced plans to establish the Chromebook assembly line in Haripur, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
A delegation from Tech Valley, led by Kevin Kalis, also met with Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz in Lahore on Monday. During the meeting, they pledged support for establishing a Google Chromebook manufacturing plant in Punjab to strengthen technology-driven education and enhance local IT infrastructure.
