ISLAMABAD: In a milestone moment for Pakistan’s technology sector, Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Senator Ishaq Dar inaugurated the country’s first Google Chromebook assembly line on Tuesday, calling it a “defining moment” in Pakistan’s digital transformation journey.
The launch event, titled “Building the Digital Future, Together,” marks a major collaboration between the Government of Pakistan and Google, aiming to localize production, boost affordability, and expand access to digital tools—particularly in the education sector.
Dar highlighted that the initiative would not only promote technological inclusion but also strengthen Pakistan’s economy. “From the launch of Pakistan’s first Chromebook assembly line to Google’s announcement of establishing a local presence in Pakistan, and the agreement to upskill our youth—this is a defining moment for our country’s digital transformation,” he said during the ceremony.
The event was attended by federal ministers, IT professionals, educators, and Google representatives, underscoring the public-private partnership’s importance in fostering innovation and digital literacy.
Economic and Technological Impact
Senator Dar emphasized that the localization of Chromebook production would drive job creation, enhance supply chain development, and pave the way for future tech exports. He said the initiative would bring Google closer to Pakistan’s developers, startups, and entrepreneurs, enabling direct collaboration and access to global opportunities.
“Let me assure the management of Google—you won’t regret setting up all this in Pakistan. You will be very happy to be here, and in the years to come, you’ll find many multinationals and other partners joining. Pakistan is moving fast to achieve the position it was destined for,” Dar remarked confidently.
AI Skills Training and Digital Upskilling
Under a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed between Google and the Government of Pakistan, both parties will collaborate to train 100,000 developers in artificial intelligence (AI) and other emerging technologies. The move aims to build a skilled digital workforce ready to meet the demands of the global market.
Policy and Fiscal Reforms
Addressing concerns about Pakistan’s high tax rates, Dar assured the tech community that the government is working to introduce a reasonable and competitive tax structure to support local and foreign investors in the IT sector.
Dar, who recently returned from Istanbul after attending the Coordination Meeting of Arab-Islamic Foreign Ministers, also touched on Pakistan’s continued diplomatic efforts to implement the Gaza peace agreement, which was signed last month in the presence of U.S. President Donald Trump and representatives of eight countries.
The launch of the Chromebook assembly line signifies Pakistan’s growing partnership with global tech leaders and its commitment to digital progress, education, and economic modernization.
