Google has revealed Karachi as the location of its first local office in Pakistan, giving the US technology company a permanent presence in the country as it expands its engagement with Pakistan’s digital economy. The development follows the formal inauguration of Google Pakistan office by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on August 18 during a meeting with a nine member Google delegation led by Wilson L. White, Vice President for Global Affairs.
The inauguration ceremony was held in Islamabad at the Prime Minister House, where Shehbaz Sharif met the Google delegation and discussed the company plans for Pakistan. Wilson L. White said Google had been investing in and remained committed to Pakistan for more than a decade, describing the opening of the local office as an important milestone in its engagement with the country. The Prime Minister highlighted the ongoing digital transformation of government and the economy, while also discussing programs focused on information technology and artificial intelligence skills for young people. The government said Google local presence could support further cooperation in areas related to digital development and technology skills.
The office location in Karachi places Google within Pakistan’s largest commercial and business centre, where the company can work more closely with local businesses, technology companies, developers and other stakeholders. Google has already been involved in several initiatives in Pakistan, including digital skills programs, developer training, education initiatives and support for local technology businesses. The company has also partnered with local organisations on Chromebook assembly in Pakistan. During the meeting with the Prime Minister, White noted the potential for Chromebooks assembled locally to be exported to other countries in the region. Google has also outlined plans to continue investing in Pakistani people, manufacturing and infrastructure related to hardware exports, as well as local businesses.
The establishment of a local office also comes as Pakistan continues efforts to expand its information technology and digital services sector. According to government figures shared following the inauguration, Google has supported digital and artificial intelligence skills development through career certificates, developer programs, gaming and application initiatives, and training for students and educators. Google also announced plans to provide free Google Gemini subscriptions for one year to students in Pakistan. The company said its initiatives over the past decade had contributed to economic activity and employment in the country, while its local presence is expected to provide a more direct channel for engagement with businesses and other stakeholders. With Karachi confirmed as the location of Google’s first local office, the company now has a permanent base from which it can continue its activities across Pakistan, including work involving digital skills, education, businesses, hardware manufacturing and technology development.
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