By Zainab Shafiq 
While questions swirl around Microsoft’s fading footprint in Pakistan, another tech titan may be quietly stepping in to fill the void, and perhaps reshape the country’s digital future. At a recent National Assembly Standing Committee on IT session, Federal Minister Shaza Fatima didn’t just address concerns over Microsoft’s minimal presence, but also teased what could be a game-changer: Google in Pakistan may finally be taking shape.
Microsoft, which currently operates with just a handful of staff through a liaison office in the country, remains ambiguous about its plans. Minister Shaza clarified that global layoffs, not local conditions, are behind its reduced visibility. Still, with only five representatives and no firm commitment, Microsoft’s role remains marginal at best.
That’s where Google’s growing involvement is shifting attention and optimism.
Google in Pakistan: Hope for a Tech Uplift?
The Minister revealed that Google in Pakistan is more than just a headline; it’s becoming an active collaboration. The tech giant is already working with the Ministry of IT to roll out 500,000 digital skill certifications for Pakistani youth, an initiative that signals more than just casual engagement.
But the bigger development lies in what’s potentially ahead. According to Minister Shaza, there are “ongoing talks” about a deeper, more permanent Google footprint in Pakistan. Though she stopped short of confirming whether this means a local office or regional hub, her words were enough to stir anticipation across the country’s tech and startup circles.
If realised, a formal presence of Google in Pakistan could mean access to advanced infrastructure, jobs, and partnerships, something Microsoft has not yet offered. As Pakistan pushes for stronger digital integration and global tech collaboration, Google’s involvement could offer the momentum the country’s IT sector sorely needs.
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