Ministry of Information and Broadcasting of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan
Ministry of Information and Broadcasting of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan
08/19/2026 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 08/19/2026 09:18
PR No. 223 FEDERAL MINISTER FOR IT AND TELECOMMUNICATION CONGRATULATES NATION ON HIS
Federal Minister for Information Technology and Telecommunication, Shaza Fatima Khawaja, addressing a press conference today, congratulated the nation on the official opening of Google's office in Pakistan, terming it a historic moment for Pakistan's digital journey. The Minister stated that the establishment of Google's local presence marks a landmark development for the country's technology sector, reflects growing confidence of global tech companies, and will open up new avenues of opportunity for Pakistani talent, particularly the country's youth, developers, and entrepreneurs, by connecting them more closely with global technology, resources, and markets.
Speaking on the occasion, the Minister praised the leadership of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, stating that this achievement was made possible because of his personal interest and continued leadership in advancing Pakistan's digital transformation agenda. She said that the Prime Minister has led from the front in building the country's digital ecosystem, and that the opening of Google's office is a fruit of his vision for a Digital Nation Pakistan. The Minister also acknowledged the role of the Special Investment Facilitation Council (SIFC), whose apex committee is headed by the Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and the Chief Of Army Staff & Chief Of Defence Forces Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir, Ni (M), HJ, along with the concerted efforts of the Ministry of IT and Telecommunication, in facilitating and advancing this landmark initiative. She also thanked Google's Vice President for Government Affairs and Public Policy Mr. Wilson White and US Charge d'Affaires Natalie Baker.
The Minister also briefly outlined the scope of ongoing partnership with Google, highlighting that over 350,000 Career Certificate scholarships have been awarded in digital and AI skilling; 300,000 developers reached through Google Developer Groups, with 50,000 trained in generative AI and cloud technologies; support for 120-plus local gaming and app studios; 17000+ registrations in AI Seekho 2026, a domestic Chromebook assembly line with capacity for 500,000 devices; and digital-literacy training for over 300,000 students and 5,000 educators.
Highlighting government's broader support for the technology sector, the Minister noted that IT and ITeS exports have concessional tax rates as low as 0.25 %, which reflects government's commitment to creating an enabling and competitive environment for the sector's continued growth, and has led to phenomenial increase in IT exports. She highlighted that ICT export remittances surged by 18%, reaching US$ 417 million in July FY 2026-27, She further noted that the ICT industry recorded a trade surplus of US$ 344 million during July FY27, accounting for 83 percent of total ICT export remittances, thus contributing positively to Pakistan's economy.
Concluding , the Minister reiterated government's resolve to continue scaling high-impact digital initiatives in partnership with private sector and international technology companies, in line with the Prime Minister's vision of digital nation Pakistan.
Speaking on the occasion, the Minister praised the leadership of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, stating that this achievement was made possible because of his personal interest and continued leadership in advancing Pakistan's digital transformation agenda. She said that the Prime Minister has led from the front in building the country's digital ecosystem, and that the opening of Google's office is a fruit of his vision for a Digital Nation Pakistan. The Minister also acknowledged the role of the Special Investment Facilitation Council (SIFC), whose apex committee is headed by the Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and the Chief Of Army Staff & Chief Of Defence Forces Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir, Ni (M), HJ, along with the concerted efforts of the Ministry of IT and Telecommunication, in facilitating and advancing this landmark initiative. She also thanked Google's Vice President for Government Affairs and Public Policy Mr. Wilson White and US Charge d'Affaires Natalie Baker.
The Minister also briefly outlined the scope of ongoing partnership with Google, highlighting that over 350,000 Career Certificate scholarships have been awarded in digital and AI skilling; 300,000 developers reached through Google Developer Groups, with 50,000 trained in generative AI and cloud technologies; support for 120-plus local gaming and app studios; 17000+ registrations in AI Seekho 2026, a domestic Chromebook assembly line with capacity for 500,000 devices; and digital-literacy training for over 300,000 students and 5,000 educators.
Highlighting government's broader support for the technology sector, the Minister noted that IT and ITeS exports have concessional tax rates as low as 0.25 %, which reflects government's commitment to creating an enabling and competitive environment for the sector's continued growth, and has led to phenomenial increase in IT exports. She highlighted that ICT export remittances surged by 18%, reaching US$ 417 million in July FY 2026-27, She further noted that the ICT industry recorded a trade surplus of US$ 344 million during July FY27, accounting for 83 percent of total ICT export remittances, thus contributing positively to Pakistan's economy.
Concluding , the Minister reiterated government's resolve to continue scaling high-impact digital initiatives in partnership with private sector and international technology companies, in line with the Prime Minister's vision of digital nation Pakistan.
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