Google Launches Chromebook Initiative in Pakistan - Know More About It

Google has launched an ambitious initiative to produce half a million Chromebooks in Pakistan, marking a significant step toward strengthening the country’s tech landscape. The launch event, held on Thursday in Islamabad, featured Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif as the first recipient of a locally manufactured Chromebook, which was presented by Scott Beaumont, President of Google Asia Pacific (APAC).

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif expressed gratitude for Google’s role in advancing global technology and praised the initiative as a milestone for Pakistan’s youth. He highlighted the young generation’s talent in information technology (IT) and emphasized their potential to contribute significantly to Pakistan’s economic growth. The Prime Minister also called for both federal and provincial governments to prioritize youth education and empowerment.

The government has set a target of increasing IT exports to $25 billion within the next five years, and this Chromebook initiative is seen as a critical element of that plan. Prime Minister Sharif urged IT professionals and entrepreneurs to develop strategies that would help achieve this ambitious goal, particularly by promoting freelancers and Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs).

Minister of State for IT and Telecom, Shaza Fatima Khawaja, praised Google’s efforts and reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to digitization. Google’s initiative is not only expected to transform Pakistan’s educational and tech sectors but also promote local manufacturing. This project is a step forward in reducing corruption and enhancing transparency through the creation of a paperless governance system.

Farhan S. Qureshi, Google’s Regional Director for Pakistan, Bangladesh, and Sri Lanka, highlighted the economic potential in Pakistan’s tech ecosystem, emphasizing the growing opportunities for freelancers.

The Chromebook initiative is anticipated to play a vital role in Pakistan’s integration into the global digital economy, supporting both local manufacturing and job creation while advancing the country’s IT hardware industry.