Pakistan welcomes Google amidst 'digital transformation of governance'

"Digital Nation Pakistan" said to be well underway.

Technology giant Google now has a local office in Pakistan, boosting the country's "Digital Nation Pakistan" vision.

According to Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif, who inaugurated the office in Islamabad, initiatives aimed at developing Pakistan's digital ecosystem are currently being implemented at an advanced stage.

A Google delegation headed by Vice President for Government Affairs and Public Policy Wilson White was present during the inauguration.

Sharif told the contingent that the South Asian country is going through a major digital transformation of governance. Under the digitalisation, focus areas include youth training and infrastructure upgrading.

The Ministry of Information Technology & Telecommunication reported: "Highlighting the potential of Pakistan's youth in the digital space, the Prime Minister expressed hope that Google would further expand its footprint to upskilling and empowering them.

"He added that with Google's local presence now established, high-impact programmes could be scaled up further."

It was pointed out that the office would help local businesses go global whilst creating long-term opportunities for Pakistani youth in fields such as artificial intelligence and information technology.