Federal Minister for Information Technology and Telecommunication Shaza Fatima Khawaja announced that Google will begin assembling approximately 600,000 Chromebooks per year in Pakistan under a public-private partnership with the National Radio & Telecommunication Corporation (NRTC) and the Ministry of Defence Production. The facility, located in Haripur, represents a major leap forward for Pakistan’s technology manufacturing and export potential.
During her visit, the minister highlighted that the initiative currently employs around 600 young professionals, including a significant number of women engineers. Production is set to scale up, generating new jobs and facilitating Chromebook exports, with a strong focus on supporting the education sector through affordable, high-quality devices.
Google has officially registered its operations in Pakistan and plans to open a local office soon. The Ministry of IT has also signed an MoU with Google to provide AI and tech training programs for youth, particularly girls, and to establish AI labs in schools nationwide, in collaboration with provincial governments.
The announcement follows broader global tech engagement in Pakistan. Meta has trained local media teams on misinformation management and launched an AI Urdu platform, while TikTok introduced a STEM feed for free science and technology education. Additionally, Pakistan is deepening digital collaboration with Saudi Arabia, including GO Telecommunications Group’s AI Hub, enabling Pakistani freelancers to deliver remote services to Saudi firms.
Minister Shaza Fatima credited the Special Economic and Investment Facilitation Council (SEIFC) for attracting international investment and streamlining processes that have positioned Pakistan as a rising player in the global technology and digital economy.
