Pakistan on Tuesday inaugurated its first Google Chromebook assembly line, a joint initiative between the government and Google aimed at making affordable, high-quality laptops accessible to students and professionals nationwide.
The landmark project, inaugurated by Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar, has been described as a “historical milestone” that will open new avenues for development and accelerate the country’s journey toward Digital Pakistan.
‘Major step toward Digital Pakistan’
Addressing the inauguration ceremony, DPM Dar said the collaboration between Pakistan and Google represents a turning point in the nation’s technological transformation.
“We have made and are continuing to make great progress in technology,” Dar said. “In just a few years, the government has taken significant steps to build a digital Pakistan, and the efforts of the Ministry of Information Technology are bearing fruit today.”
He emphasized that learning modern sciences is indispensable in the present era and that technology-driven initiatives like this will empower the younger generation and enhance access to global knowledge resources.
Dar described the agreement with Google as being of “historic importance”, adding that it will pave the way for innovation, employment, and industrial growth in Pakistan’s tech ecosystem.
Shaza Fatima: ‘Great milestone for Pakistan’s youth’
Federal Minister for Information Technology Shaza Fatima hailed the inauguration as a “milestone moment” in Pakistan’s digital progress. “Today is one of the most important days in Pakistan’s journey toward digital transformation,” she said.
“With the launch of Google Chromebook, the young generation will embrace new technological trends that will revolutionize their professional and educational lives,” she added.
Shaza Fatima noted that Chromebooks will play a vital role for students, doctors, engineers, and IT professionals, supporting the country’s growing demand for accessible digital tools.
Production targets, local manufacturing
The assembly line has been established in Haripur, through a collaboration between Google and the National Radio and Telecom Corporation (NRTC).
Initially, the facility will produce 50,000 Chromebooks per day, with an annual production target of 500,000 units. In the next phase, capacity will be expanded to produce up to one million Chromebooks annually, strengthening Pakistan’s local manufacturing capabilities and creating skilled job opportunities.
During the ceremony, leaders also emphasized the government’s commitment to technological advancement and peacebuilding. Referring to recent diplomatic developments, officials reiterated Pakistan’s support for peace efforts in Gaza, where the Gaza Peace Agreement was signed last month in the presence of US President Donald Trump.
“Islam is a peace-loving religion, and we must make every effort to save humanity,” Ishaq Dar said, linking technological progress with a broader vision of global cooperation and peace.
