Islamabad: A 9-member delegation from Google, led by Wilson White, Vice President for Government Affairs and Public Policy, met with Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif in Islamabad. H.E. Natalie Baker, Chargé d’Affaires of the U.S. Embassy in Islamabad, also attended the meeting.
According to Press Information Department, the Prime Minister expressed that Pakistan is experiencing a significant digital transformation, with the digitization of governance and the economy being pivotal elements. He elaborated on the government’s “Digital Nation Pakistan” vision and mentioned that various initiatives aimed at developing the national digital ecosystem are nearing completion.
The Prime Minister assured the delegation of the government’s dedication to upgrading the IT infrastructure and highlighted ongoing programs focused on youth training in IT and Artificial Intelligence. He underscored the value of collaboration with a leading global technology company like Google in realizing these goals.
Welcoming Google’s decision to establish an office in Pakistan, the Prime Minister remarked that this move would enhance the country’s partnership with the company. He commended Google’s contributions to advancing Pakistan’s digital economy and praised initiatives that have facilitated employment for thousands of Pakistani youth. He expressed optimism that Google’s local presence would lead to expanded efforts in upskilling and empowering young people, allowing high-impact programs to grow further.
Wilson White briefed the Prime Minister on Google’s strategic plans, emphasizing the deepening of Google’s commitment to Pakistan’s digital transformation. He highlighted the potential for Chromebooks assembled in Pakistan to be exported regionally and signaled Google’s intention to expand upskilling programs in IT, AI, gaming, among other areas.
The inauguration of Google’s office in Pakistan was marked by a plaque unveiling ceremony attended by the Prime Minister, Wilson White, Chargé d’Affaires Natalie Baker, and other dignitaries.