Minister of State for Interior Talal Chaudhry has urged Google to remain sensitive to Pakistan specific circumstances and work closely with the government to support the creation of a safer digital environment. The Ministry of Information stated that the discussion took place during a meeting between Talal Chaudhry and a senior Google delegation, focusing on digital security, online content management, and cooperation between both sides. The meeting was held a day after Google opened its first office in Pakistan, marking an expansion of the company presence in the country. Google has stated that the office reflects its confidence in Pakistan digital future and talent potential. The company has also collaborated with the government on various initiatives related to digital skills development, support for developers, startups, gaming, hardware manufacturing, and online safety.
A Google delegation led by Senior Director David Wheeler met Talal Chaudhry to discuss measures related to digital security, the effective use of social media, timely removal of harmful online content, and greater coordination between Google and Pakistani authorities. Google Pakistan representative Dr Kyle Gardner was also part of the delegation. During the meeting, Talal Chaudhry said Pakistan wanted to further enhance cooperation with Google to promote a secure and peaceful digital environment. The minister highlighted that Pakistan geographical location and circumstances differ from other countries, requiring digital platforms to consider local requirements while developing policies and approaches. He emphasized the importance of proactive monitoring of online platforms and effective mechanisms to address harmful content. The discussion also covered the role of social media platforms in preventing misuse and maintaining a safer online space.
David Wheeler said Google would continue working with the government to support efforts aimed at ensuring a safe digital environment in Pakistan. The meeting was also attended by members of Social Media Protection and Regulation Authority, M Saad Ali and Salman Zafar, Director General of National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency Khurram Ali, and Joint Secretary of Interior Ministry Malik Sanaullah. Google has increased its engagement with Pakistan in recent years through initiatives focused on digital skills, artificial intelligence, gaming, application development, and online safety. Since 2022, Google has provided 350,000 Career Certificate scholarships in Pakistan, while its developer groups have reached around 300,000 developers. The company has also supported local Chromebook assembly and provided training opportunities for students, educators, and developers in emerging technologies.
Separately, Minister for Information Technology and Telecommunication Shaza Fatima Khawaja said the opening of Google first office in Pakistan would strengthen the country technology ecosystem and support the development of local talent. Speaking to media, she said the presence of global technology companies in Pakistan would encourage further investment and demonstrate international confidence in the country digital sector. Shaza Fatima highlighted that Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif had led the digital transformation agenda over the past two years through initiatives focused on government digitalization, digital economy growth, cashless payments, and digital governance. She added that Pakistan IT exports had grown by around 20 percent annually over the previous two and a half years, while the freelancing economy exceeded $1 billion during the year.
The minister also highlighted the role of government collaboration, including efforts by Special Investment Facilitation Council, Ministry of IT and Telecommunication, and related departments in supporting Google expansion in Pakistan. She said the partnership had resulted in around 350,000 Google certifications being completed in Pakistan, with additional certification programmes being developed for 3,000 public service officers. She further shared details about initiatives including AI Seekho, gaming and animation training programmes, Think Apps, and App Design Master Classes. According to Shaza Fatima, these programmes have supported thousands of developers, companies, students, and professionals across Pakistan. She also mentioned the establishment of a Chromebook assembly line in Pakistan and ongoing efforts to explore export opportunities. The minister said technology partnerships with global companies such as Google were supporting the broader digital ecosystem of Pakistan. She also noted that July IT export figures showed an 18 percent year on year increase, with Pakistan recording exports worth $417 million during the month. According to her, IT exports continue to contribute significantly to the economy due to their high trade surplus and limited dependence on machinery imports.
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