ISLAMABAD – Pakistani government and Google move to deepen cooperation on AI, digital skills, education and IT exports. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif hosted high-level Google delegation at a special reception, where a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed outlining a wide-ranging technology partnership.
The announcement puts one initiative firmly in the spotlight as Pakistani students could get one year of free access to Google AI Plus and NotebookLM, potentially giving young people access to advanced AI tools for education and research.
The event was attended by Federal Minister for IT and Telecommunication 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 other senior officials.
Under the agreement, Google plans to provide 150,000 Google Career Certificates to Pakistani youth during 2026. The certificates are designed to help young people develop technical skills that are in demand in the modern job market. Google will also examine the possibility of expanding its Career Certificates programme in Pakistan, particularly in rapidly growing sectors where new employment opportunities could emerge.
One of the most eye-catching elements of the agreement is the proposed access to Google’s AI ecosystem for students across Pakistan. The government and Google will explore providing students with one year of free access to Google AI Plus and NotebookLM.
The initiative could give students new tools for research, learning and productivity while helping them build familiarity with technologies increasingly used across the global economy. The broader objective is to strengthen students’ competitiveness and increase the contribution of Pakistan’s young workforce to the country’s growing IT export sector.
The partnership also includes plans for an AI Centre of Excellence in Islamabad. The centre is expected to focus on developing Pakistani talent and preparing the country’s human resources for the requirements of the international technology market. With AI rapidly changing industries worldwide, the proposed centre could become a key platform for training young Pakistanis in emerging technologies.
The cooperation is not limited to education and training. Under the government’s FBR reform programme, Google will support the digital transformation of the Federal Board of Revenue through artificial intelligence. The initiative aims to modernise public services, improve government efficiency and strengthen FBR’s digital infrastructure.
Pakistan’s agriculture sector is another major area covered by the partnership. AI technology is planned for applications such as crop monitoring, production forecasting and promoting sustainable agricultural practices. If effectively implemented, these tools could help improve the way agricultural data is collected and used for decision-making.
The agreement also targets Pakistan’s growing digital business ecosystem. Small and medium-sized enterprises could receive support through digital platforms to expand their reach into international markets. At the same time, Google and Pakistan will work on supporting local app developers and gaming studios, two sectors with significant potential for digital exports.
The partnership will also examine ways to strengthen digital payment systems and expand digital commerce.
A joint task force comprising representatives of the government, Google and key industry organisations will be established to identify obstacles holding back Pakistan’s IT exports.
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