Google has announced an initiative to produce half a million Chromebooks in Pakistan by 2026, with the first locally manufactured device presented to Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif during a ceremony in Islamabad. Scott Beaumont, President of Google Asia Pacific, presented the Chromebook to the prime minister, who praised Google’s global and local contributions.
The prime minister emphasized the potential of Pakistan’s youth in the Information Technology sector and their role in the country’s economic development. He also reiterated the government’s IT export target of $25 billion over the next five years, urging IT experts to support this goal and promote small businesses and freelancers. Additionally, he committed to transitioning Pakistan’s governance system to a paperless, digital platform to combat corruption.
Shaza Fatima Khawaja, Minister of State for IT and Telecommunication, highlighted Google’s contribution to Pakistan’s digital transformation. Farhan S. Qureshi, Regional Director for Google in Pakistan, Bangladesh, and Sri Lanka, emphasized the economic benefits of focusing on technology and the opportunities for freelancers in Pakistan.
A joint venture between National Radio & Telecommunication Corporation (NRTC), Allied (an Australian manufacturer), and Tech Valley has established a Chromebook assembly line in Haripur, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. This initiative aligns with the National Education Emergency, aiming to improve access to education for out-of-school children through affordable technology.
Federal Education Minister Dr. Khalid Maqbool Siddiqui expressed strong support for the project, stating that it will help schools access affordable Chromebooks and drive large-scale educational progress.
