ISLAMABAD: Pakistan and Google have signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to strengthen cooperation in artificial intelligence, digital skills, IT exports and technological innovation.
The agreement was signed on Friday during a reception hosted by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif in honour of the Google delegation, according to a statement issued by the Prime Minister’s Office.
The collaboration comes days after Google opened its first office in Pakistan, signalling growing interest in the country’s technology and digital economy.
AI Centre of Excellence to Be Established
Under the agreement, an Artificial Intelligence (AI) Centre of Excellence will be established in Islamabad.
The centre will focus on training young people and professionals and helping them develop skills that match the requirements of international technology markets.
The initiative is expected to strengthen Pakistan’s AI talent pool and create greater opportunities for young professionals to participate in the global digital economy.
Free Google AI Access for Pakistani Students
A key component of the agreement is the provision of one year of free access to Google AI tools for Pakistani students.
Students will receive access to advanced tools, including Gemini and Google AI Plus, allowing them to explore AI-powered learning and productivity technologies.
The initiative is aimed at improving digital literacy and helping students develop skills that are increasingly important in education and the global employment market.
Google Certificates to Reach 150,000
Pakistan and Google have also agreed to expand the Google Career Certificates programme, with a target of providing certificates to 150,000 people in 2026.
The programme is expected to help Pakistani youth gain market-oriented skills and improve their employment opportunities in technology and other digitally driven sectors.
Joint Task Force for IT Exports
The agreement also includes the establishment of a joint task force focused on increasing Pakistan’s IT exports and improving the country’s competitiveness in the international technology market.
The task force will explore ways to strengthen Pakistan’s technology ecosystem and support businesses seeking to expand their presence in international markets.
Cooperation will also cover Pakistan’s mobile application and gaming industries, along with initiatives aimed at promoting digital payments and expanding digital commerce.
AI Applications in Government and Agriculture
Another important area of cooperation is the digitisation programme of the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR).
Pakistan and Google will explore the use of AI-powered data analytics to improve tax administration, strengthen data-driven decision-making and increase efficiency within the public sector.
The two sides will also examine AI applications in agriculture, including crop monitoring, forecasting and sustainable farming practices.
Digital platforms could further help Pakistani small and medium-sized enterprises access international markets and increase their export potential.
Shehbaz Sharif Welcomes Google Partnership
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif described the collaboration as an important step toward Pakistan’s digital transformation.
He said the partnership comes at a time when the government is pursuing its “Digital Nation Pakistan” initiative and seeking to modernise governance and expand the country’s digital economy.
Google Vice President for Government Affairs and Public Policy Wilson L. White also welcomed Pakistan’s ambitions for the technology sector.
Referring to Pakistan’s target of becoming a $30 billion IT export hub, White said the country’s ambition aligns with Google’s goals.
The MoU marks a significant development in Pakistan’s technology sector, with cooperation spanning AI, education, IT exports, digital commerce, agriculture and public-sector digitisation.
