Google to Produce 600,000 Chromebooks Annually in Pakistan
Federal Minister for Information Technology and Telecommunication, Shaza Fatima Khawaja, revealed a major development on Saturday — Google will manufacture about 600,000 Chromebooks each year in Pakistan, marking a milestone for the nation’s technology landscape and strengthening its position as an emerging IT hub in the region.
Addressing the media, she mentioned that Google has completed its registration in Pakistan and is preparing to open a local office soon.
Under the current government’s leadership, Pakistan’s collaboration with top global technology and social media companies has reached a new and productive stage, creating opportunities for innovation and growth.
Google’s local Chromebook manufacturing initiative — developed in partnership with the Ministry of Defence Production and the National Radio & Telecommunication Corporation (NRTC) — is an example of how public-private partnerships can accelerate progress in the IT manufacturing sector.
The program aims to provide affordable, high-quality devices, especially targeting the education sector, while contributing to technology transfer, global best practices, and employment generation across Pakistan.
During her visit to the Haripur facility, the minister appreciated the presence of around 600 young men and women working at the site. She highlighted that as production grows, the assembly line will expand to enable Chromebook exports and further job opportunities, particularly encouraging women’s participation in the tech industry.
She further announced that the Ministry of IT has finalized a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Google to train youth — especially girls — in emerging technologies, with a focus on artificial intelligence (AI). The plan includes the establishment of AI labs in secondary schools, supported by provincial governments in Punjab, Sindh, Balochistan, and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
The minister also pointed out ongoing cooperation with Meta and TikTok. Meta’s AI platform is now accessible in Urdu, empowering citizens to learn and create AI applications in their native language. Meanwhile, TikTok’s STEM feed in Pakistan delivers free educational material in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics, making learning more inclusive for students nationwide.
Additionally, Pakistan’s growing collaboration with Saudi Arabia in the technology sector continues to expand. The GO Telecommunications Group from Saudi Arabia has launched an Artificial Intelligence (AI) Hub in Pakistan, connecting local IT companies with Saudi businesses. This initiative allows freelancers and small enterprises in Pakistan to offer remote services abroad, promoting economic growth, exports, and job creation.
