Pakistan has inaugurated its first Google Chromebook assembly line, an accomplishment that Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar lauded as a “historic milestone” set to significantly increase the accessibility of digital tools nationwide.
Addressing the launch ceremony in Islamabad, Dar emphasized that the initiative represents a “defining moment for the country’s digital transformation.” By localizing the assembly of Chromebooks, the government aims to make essential digital tools more affordable and inclusive, providing substantial support to the education sector.
The Foreign Minister further highlighted the profound economic significance of the new assembly line, noting that it lays a crucial foundation for job creation, supply chain development, and future technology exports.
**Strategic Partnership and Digital Commitment**
Under a strategic memorandum of understanding, Google and Pakistan are set to engage in extensive collaboration. Key commitments include providing comprehensive skills training for 100,000 developers across the country and developing specialized programs targeting the growing gaming and startup industries.
The partnership will also advance localized, AI-powered solutions, such as integrating Android services for public safety initiatives, and will offer 100,000 Google Career certificates to equip citizens with world-class digital training and globally recognized credentials.
Dar stressed that Google’s decision to establish a local office in Pakistan is a powerful endorsement of the nation’s digital potential, describing it as a strategic milestone poised to benefit the digital economy, the innovation ecosystem, and global investor confidence. He added that the local presence would foster closer collaboration with Pakistani developers, startups, and entrepreneurs, facilitating capacity building and greater access to global platforms.
### Industry Support
The inauguration was met with strong support from other government officials. IT Minister Shaza Fatima Khawaja called the assembly line launch a transformative step that effectively integrates technology, manufacturing, and education, confirming the government’s commitment to rapidly advancing Pakistan’s digital journey. The Deputy PM also acknowledged the critical roles played by Defence Production Minister Muhammad Raza Hayat and Special Investment Facilitation Council (SIFC) National Coordinator Lt Gen Sarfraz Ahmad in realizing these efforts.
The successful launch follows earlier preparations, where partners, including Google for Education’s country partner Tech Valley, the National Radio and Telecommunication Corporation (NRTC), and Australia-based manufacturer Allied, had announced their intention to establish the assembly line in Haripur. Furthermore, a delegation from Tech Valley recently offered support to the Punjab Chief Minister to establish a full manufacturing factory in Punjab, aiming to bolster technology-driven education and local IT infrastructure.
