Pakistan has officially announced the launch of its first Google Chromebook assembly line, a move that government officials say will make technology more affordable and accessible for students and professionals across the country. Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar made the announcement during a ceremony in Islamabad on Tuesday, calling it a significant milestone for the country’s technology sector. However, the event primarily marked an announcement of plans for the assembly line rather than the actual start of production.
Speaking at the event, Dar described the launch as a “momentous occasion” for Pakistan’s technology and education landscape. He stated that locally assembled Chromebooks would play a crucial role in improving access to affordable digital devices, particularly in the education sector. He emphasized that affordable computing devices were essential to bridge the digital divide and strengthen the country’s human capital development. According to Dar, this initiative goes beyond just the education sector—it will contribute to job creation, strengthen local supply chains, and support the foundation for potential technology exports in the future.
Dar further highlighted that Google’s expanding presence in Pakistan would encourage greater collaboration with local startups and entrepreneurs. He explained that such partnerships would enhance capacity building and help domestic innovators integrate more effectively with global technology platforms. This local engagement, he added, reflects Pakistan’s growing readiness to adopt advanced technologies and integrate them into national development goals. He noted that efforts to rationalize taxation and introduce investor-friendly reforms are part of the government’s broader commitment to attracting global tech companies.
As part of the broader collaboration, a new memorandum of understanding (MoU) has been signed between Pakistan and Google to train 100,000 developers nationwide. This training program will focus on building essential digital and coding skills while promoting innovation in areas such as cloud computing, mobile applications, and web development. Additionally, both parties plan to advance AI-powered localized solutions, including Android-based services for public safety and other citizen-focused applications. Dar reaffirmed that the government remains committed to fostering a conducive environment for international technology firms, positioning Pakistan as a regional hub for digital advancement.
Through the introduction of a Google Chromebook assembly line and the comprehensive developer training initiative, Pakistan aims to take meaningful steps toward digital empowerment. While the assembly line is still in its planning stage, the initiative signals the government’s intent to strengthen the local technology ecosystem, encourage skill development, and build capacity for future innovation.
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