PM welcomes US tech giant: Google inaugurates first Pakistan office

ISLAMABAD: Google on Tuesday opened its first local office in Pakistan, marking a new phase in the US technology giant’s engagement with the country as Islamabad seeks to accelerate digital transformation and expand its technology-driven economy.

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, speaking to a nine-member Google delegation led by the company’s Vice President for Government Affairs and Public Policy Wilson L White, said Pakistan was undergoing a broad digital transformation of government and the economy.

He outlined the government’s “Digital Nation Pakistan” vision and said several initiatives aimed at strengthening the country’s digital ecosystem were nearing implementation.

Sharif also highlighted efforts to upgrade IT infrastructure and expand training in information technology and artificial intelligence, saying greater cooperation with global technology companies would help advance those efforts.

He welcomed Google’s decision to establish a local office, describing it as a step towards a stronger and longer-term partnership between Pakistan and the technology company.

The prime minister said Google’s existing initiatives had created opportunities for young Pakistanis and expressed hope that the company would further expand programmes focused on digital skills, technology and economic opportunities.

White briefed Sharif on Google’s plans for Pakistan, saying the new office would deepen the company’s involvement in the country’s digital transformation and build on its existing partnerships.

He said the local office would deepen Google’s commitment to accelerating Pakistan’s digital transformation and build on years of existing partnership to create long-term opportunities for Pakistani youth and help local businesses go global.

White highlighted the potential of Chromebooks assembled in Pakistan through partnerships with local companies, saying they could eventually be exported to other countries in the region.

Google is also interested in expanding skills programmes in areas including information technology, artificial intelligence and gaming, White said, citing the potential of Pakistan’s large young population.

The establishment of the office gives Google a deeper formal presence in Pakistan and comes as the government seeks to attract technology investment, develop digital skills and expand opportunities for local businesses in international markets.

At the end of the meeting, Sharif, White, US Chargé d’Affaires Natalie Baker and other officials jointly unveiled a plaque at the new office to mark its inauguration.

Copyright Business Recorder, 2026