Google to expand digital skills, AI and technology programmes for Pakistani youth; local office to support digital transformation and help businesses go global
ISLAMABAD, Tuesday, August 18, 2026 (WNP): Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif on Tuesday met a nine-member delegation of Google led by Vice President for Government Affairs and Public Policy Wilson White to discuss Pakistan’s digital transformation, technology infrastructure and initiatives aimed at equipping the country’s youth with skills in information technology and artificial intelligence.
US Embassy Chargé d’Affaires Natalie Baker also accompanied the delegation during the meeting.
The Prime Minister welcomed Google’s decision to establish its first office in Pakistan, saying the move would further strengthen the partnership between Pakistan and the global technology company and contribute to the country’s rapidly expanding digital economy.
He said Pakistan was undergoing a major digital transformation of governance, including the digitization of the economy, while the government was advancing its vision of “Digital Nation Pakistan.”
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif said several initiatives aimed at developing the country’s national digital ecosystem were already at an advanced stage of implementation.
He reiterated the government’s commitment to upgrading Pakistan’s IT infrastructure and highlighted ongoing programmes to train and upskill young people in IT and artificial intelligence.
The Prime Minister stressed the importance of collaboration with leading global technology companies such as Google to achieve Pakistan’s digital transformation objectives.
He appreciated Google’s contribution to Pakistan’s digital economy and its initiatives that had helped thousands of Pakistani young people secure productive employment.
Highlighting the vast potential of Pakistan’s young population in the digital sector, he expressed hope that Google would further expand its programmes to provide advanced skills and empower young Pakistanis.
He said Google’s local presence would provide an opportunity to scale up high-impact technology and skills-development programmes across the country.
Wilson White briefed the Prime Minister on Google’s plans for Pakistan, saying the establishment of the local office would deepen the company’s commitment to accelerating the country’s digital transformation.
He said Google would build on its longstanding partnership with Pakistan to create new opportunities for young people and support local businesses in accessing international markets.
White also expressed satisfaction over the ongoing Chromebook assembly line established by Google in collaboration with local partners.
He noted the potential for Chromebooks assembled in Pakistan to be exported to other countries in the region, creating additional opportunities for the country’s technology and manufacturing sectors.
The Google vice president said the company recognized the immense potential of Pakistan’s young population and was keen to expand skills-development programmes in IT, artificial intelligence, gaming and other emerging technology fields.
The meeting underscored the growing focus on public-private collaboration to accelerate Pakistan’s digital transformation, develop its technology ecosystem and equip its youth with skills required for the global digital economy.
Following the meeting, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, Wilson White, Chargé d’Affaires Natalie Baker and other dignitaries jointly unveiled a plaque to formally mark the inauguration of Google’s office in Pakistan.
The establishment of the office is expected to provide a stronger platform for cooperation between Pakistan and Google in digital skills development, innovation, technology investment and the expansion of opportunities for Pakistani businesses and youth.
