Fahd Haroon says Google’s formal establishment in Pakistan could boost investment, innovation and international technology partnerships.
ISLAMABAD: Minister of State and Special Assistant to the Prime Minister (SAPM) on Digital Media Fahd Haroon has expressed hope that Google’s formal establishment in Pakistan will encourage other leading global technology companies to deepen their engagement with the country.
Haroon welcomed the formal inauguration of Google Pakistan at the Prime Minister’s House, describing it as a significant milestone for Pakistan’s digital economy and a strong vote of confidence in the country’s growing technology sector.
He said Google’s presence reflected the deepening relationship between the company and Pakistan and could create new opportunities for collaboration, investment and innovation across the country’s technology ecosystem.
“I have been working closely with the Google team over the past many months, and seeing this come to fruition gives me immense pleasure,” Haroon said.
He described Google’s formal establishment in Pakistan as “a strong vote of confidence” in the country’s digital potential and an important milestone in its engagement with the global technology ecosystem.
“We want to build on this momentum by creating an environment where leading technology companies can invest, innovate and contribute to Pakistan’s digital transformation,” he said.
Google Pakistan inaugurated at PM House
The inauguration ceremony was attended by Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif, senior Pakistani officials, US Chargé d’Affaires Natalie A. Baker and senior Google leadership, including Vice President Wilson White, Senior Director David White, Dr Kyle Gardner and Google Cluster Director Farhan Qureshi.
According to a press release issued on Thursday, the programme included a meeting with the prime minister, followed by the unveiling of a plaque marking Google’s formal establishment in Pakistan.
The development represents a significant step in Pakistan’s efforts to strengthen its links with major international technology companies and expand its digital economy.
Haroon acknowledges government support
Haroon acknowledged Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s leadership in advancing Pakistan’s digital economy and promoting an environment conducive to international technology investment.
He also paid tribute to Field Marshal Asim Munir, Chief of Defence Forces and Chief of Army Staff, for his leadership and continued support for Pakistan’s economic and technological potential.
Haroon said such efforts had helped strengthen investor confidence and create an enabling environment for international businesses and investment opportunities.
He also acknowledged the role of the Special Investment Facilitation Council (SIFC) in supporting efforts to improve investor confidence and attract international investment.
The minister congratulated colleagues across the Government of Pakistan, including the Ministry of IT and Telecom, as well as the Google team, whose sustained efforts and cooperation helped bring the development to fruition.
Google presence could open new opportunities
Haroon said Google’s establishment in Pakistan could expand opportunities for collaboration, investment and innovation across the country’s technology sector.
He expressed hope that Google’s presence would encourage other leading global technology companies to explore opportunities and expand their operations in Pakistan.
The development, he said, marked a new chapter in Pakistan’s engagement with the global technology ecosystem and could contribute to the country’s wider digital transformation.