Islamabad, November 9, 2025 — Federal Minister for IT and Telecommunication, Shaza Fatima Khawaja, announced on Saturday that Google has completed its registration in Pakistan and will soon be establishing a local office, marking a major milestone in the country’s growing technology sector.
Speaking at a press conference, the minister revealed that manufacturing of Google Chromebooks has officially commenced in Haripur, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. “Around 500,000 to 600,000 Google Chromebooks will be manufactured annually in Pakistan,” she said, adding that this development would pave the way for technology transfer, adoption of global best practices, and the creation of direct employment opportunities.
“Our target is to export these Chromebooks from Pakistan, following which we will further extend and expand this assembly line,” she added.
The Chromebook assembly line was launched on November 4 through a collaboration between Google for Education’s local partner Tech Valley, the National Radio & Telecommunication Corporation (NRTC), and Australia-based Allied, with operations based in Haripur.
Earlier, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif had lauded the initiative, stating that local assembly of IT products like Chromebooks would not only reduce costs for consumers but also strengthen Pakistan’s foreign exchange reserves by fostering an export-oriented tech sector.
Shaza Fatima further disclosed that a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) has been finalised between Google and the Ministry of IT, under which youth will receive advanced technology training, particularly in Artificial Intelligence (AI). Discussions are also underway to establish AI laboratories in Pakistan with Google’s support.
The minister also highlighted progress in discussions with other global tech firms. She announced that Meta’s Llama AI platform has been launched in Urdu, making Pakistan one of the few countries to have access to the localised version. “The availability of Meta’s Llama AI platform in Urdu reflects the strong engagement we’ve had with Meta,” she said.
Additionally, TikTok’s STEM feed — a dedicated section for science, technology, engineering, and mathematics content — has been made available in Pakistan. “Through this feed, people in Pakistan can access free educational content, turning TikTok into a platform for positive and productive use,” Shaza noted.
In another key development, the minister revealed that Go Telecom, a Saudi Arabian company, has established a presence in Pakistan by launching an AI Hub — an online platform connecting Saudi companies seeking tech services with Pakistani firms.
“Pakistani freelancers and small tech companies can now access Saudi markets remotely without needing physical offices there. This initiative will generate employment, boost exports, and open new business opportunities,” she added.
The announcements mark a series of major advancements in Pakistan’s digital landscape, underscoring the government’s commitment to strengthening partnerships with global technology leaders and positioning Pakistan as a key player in the regional tech ecosystem.
