Google will support AI adoption at the FBR while providing digital skills, AI training and technology support as Pakistan seeks to expand its digital economy.
ISLAMABAD: Google will support the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) in deploying artificial intelligence (AI) to improve public service delivery, streamline government operations and accelerate Pakistan’s digital transformation.
The initiative follows the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the Government of Pakistan and Google aimed at expanding digital skills, promoting AI-driven innovation and strengthening the country’s technology ecosystem.
Under the agreement, Pakistan is targeting an increase in IT exports and the expansion of its digital economy to $30 billion by 2030.
Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif witnessed the signing ceremony and hosted a reception for a visiting Google delegation, according to a statement issued by the Prime Minister’s Office.
Google to support AI-driven government services
The agreement provides for cooperation on deploying AI across government institutions and key economic sectors, including the FBR.
AI technologies are expected to help improve public services, increase operational efficiency and support data-driven decision-making as the government advances its FBR transformation programme.
Google will also explore AI applications in agriculture, including crop monitoring, yield forecasting and sustainable farming practices.
The partnership will support digital platforms designed to help small and medium-sized enterprises access international markets.
Pakistan and Google will also explore initiatives to strengthen digital payments, expand digital trade and support local application developers and gaming companies.
150,000 Google certificates for Pakistani youth
Under the MoU, Google will provide 150,000 Google Career Certificates to Pakistani youth during 2026.
The programmes will provide market-oriented skills in high-demand technical fields and are intended to improve employment opportunities in rapidly expanding sectors.
The agreement also envisages exploring access to advanced AI tools for students, including one-year free access to Google AI Plus and Gemini Notebook, to support education, research and skills development.
Google AI centre planned in Islamabad
A key component of the agreement is the proposed establishment of a Google AI Centre of Excellence in Islamabad.
The centre will focus on training Pakistani youth and professionals in line with international technology-market requirements.
It will help develop skills needed for the rapidly evolving global digital economy and support Pakistan’s efforts to build a larger technology talent pool.
The agreement also covers cooperation in mobile applications, gaming, digital payments, digital commerce and AI adoption across government and major economic sectors.
The MoU was signed by Secretary of the Ministry of IT and Telecommunication Zarrar Hasham Khan and Google’s Head of South-East Asia and South Asia Public Policy David Weller.
PM highlights potential of Pakistan’s youth
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif described the agreement as an important development in Pakistan’s cooperation with Google.
He said the partnership would give Pakistani youth greater access to modern technology, tools and skills while supporting the country’s broader digital transformation.
The prime minister also highlighted the potential of Pakistan’s young population and the need to use technology to generate new economic and employment opportunities.
The ceremony was attended by Minister for IT and Telecommunications Shaza Fatima Khawaja, Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb, Google Vice President for Government Affairs and Public Policy Wilson White, US Chargé d’Affaires Natalie A. Baker and senior government officials.
Joint task force to drive digital economy
The agreement calls for the establishment of a joint task force comprising government representatives, Google and relevant industry stakeholders.
The task force will identify barriers and opportunities affecting IT export growth, including investment frameworks for hardware manufacturing and technology services, greater access to international markets and the upskilling of Pakistan’s workforce.
IT and Telecommunications Minister Shaza Fatima Khawaja said the government had been working to modernise Pakistan’s digital infrastructure, facilitate businesses and expand the country’s technology skills base.
She said the agreement demonstrated progress towards positioning Pakistan as a competitive participant in the global digital economy.
Google Cluster Director for Pakistan, the Philippines and Thailand Farhan Qureshi said the partnership could help unlock Pakistan’s digital potential by expanding access to advanced AI tools, technical skills and sector-specific technologies.
He said Google would support Pakistan’s ambition to develop a $30 billion digital economy through skills development, innovation and technology adoption.
The partnership is expected to create new employment and investment opportunities, strengthen Pakistan’s digital ecosystem and support the government’s wider digitalisation agenda.