Shaza Fatima Hails Google Office Opening in Pakistan

ISLAMABAD: (Staff Reporter) – Federal Minister for Information Technology Shaza Fatima has welcomed the opening of Google’s office in Pakistan, describing the development as an important milestone for the country’s technology sector and the start of a promising new chapter.

Speaking to the media, the minister said Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif inaugurated Google’s Pakistan office a day earlier, calling the company’s arrival a significant achievement for the country’s growing IT industry.

Shaza Fatima said the government intends to use Google’s presence to expand digital opportunities, attract more international technology companies and strengthen Pakistan’s standing in the global technology market.

She added that the entry of a major global technology company could create new opportunities for the economy while providing young Pakistanis with greater access to digital skills, employment and professional growth.

Government pushes digital transformation

The minister said the government is pursuing a broader strategy to expand the use of digital technology across Pakistan, with the federal government and the Special Investment Facilitation Council (SIFC) working to encourage technology-related investment.

She said the IT sector has received strong backing from Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir, as the government seeks to accelerate growth in the industry.

According to the minister, Pakistan’s IT sector has maintained a trade surplus, while exports have continued to grow, strengthening its contribution to the national economy.

Pakistan seeks stronger global tech presence

Shaza Fatima said Pakistan’s long-term goal is to establish a stronger presence in the international technology market.

She described the arrival of major global IT companies as encouraging for the economy, saying their presence could create opportunities for local businesses, technology professionals and the country’s growing pool of young talent.

The minister also expressed hope that Google’s decision to establish an office in Pakistan would encourage other international technology companies to follow suit.

“Hopefully, after Google, other big IT companies will also come to Pakistan,” she said.

Google’s skills initiatives highlighted

Shaza Fatima also pointed to Google’s contribution to digital skills development in Pakistan. She said the company has issued around 350,000 certificates in the country over recent years.

She said continued skills initiatives, coupled with Google’s local operations, could help improve the capabilities of Pakistan’s technology workforce and expand employment opportunities in the digital economy.

The government expects greater participation from international technology companies to support digital-sector growth, attract investment and contribute to the continued expansion of IT exports.

Minister praises government efforts

The federal minister congratulated the officials and institutions involved in facilitating Google’s arrival in Pakistan.

She particularly acknowledged the roles of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir and SIFC, saying their support had helped advance initiatives aimed at promoting technology investment and developing the country’s IT sector.

Shaza Fatima said the government would continue efforts to attract more international investment and create an environment capable of supporting Pakistan’s ambitions in the global technology industry.