Islamabad, September 5, 2024 — In a significant move to bolster Pakistan’s digital infrastructure, Google has announced an ambitious plan to produce 500,000 Chromebooks in the country by 2026. The initiative was unveiled at a launch event in Islamabad, where Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif received the first Chromebook from Scott Beaumont, President of Google Asia Pacific.
Farhan Qureshi, Google’s Regional Director, emphasized the transformative potential of this project, noting its expected impact on Pakistan’s tech sector and its support for freelancers. “This initiative is not just about providing devices, but about fostering a tech-driven ecosystem that empowers individuals and businesses,” Qureshi said.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif welcomed the announcement, highlighting Pakistan’s growing IT sector and its ambitious target of $25 billion in IT exports over the next five years. “This project aligns perfectly with our vision for a digitally empowered Pakistan,” Sharif remarked. He also stressed the importance of enhancing IT education and advancing government digitization efforts to maximize the benefits of the new technology.
Google’s commitment to this initiative underscores its broader goal of supporting digital development in emerging markets and advancing technological innovation in Pakistan. The production of these Chromebooks is expected to play a crucial role in shaping the future of Pakistan’s digital landscape, providing essential tools for education, entrepreneurship, and economic growth.