ISLAMABAD: Nearly four years after it first registered in Pakistan, Google on Tuesday formally opened its doors in Pakistan, describing the development as a “big milestone” in its engagement with the country.
The US-based internet technology giant made the announcement after a delegation led by the company’s Global Affairs Vice President Wilson L. White called on Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif. US Chargé d’Affaires in Pakistan Natalie Baker also attended the meeting.
Speaking on the occasion, Prime Minister Shehbaz said there was “great scope” for a fruitful partnership with Google and for strengthening bilateral ties in various areas.
“Pakistan is going through a major digital transformation. In many areas of our governance, there is a youth bulge and we can really turn around Pakistan’s fortunes,” he said, adding that “we are doing a lot and a lot more needs to be done.”
Meanwhile, Google’s vice president described his visit as a “big milestone”.
“Google has been investing in and committed to Pakistan for over a decade, and today we have reached a milestone where we are opening a local office in Pakistan,” Mr White said.
He appreciated PM Shehbaz’s vision of turning Pakistan into a $30 billion IT export hub.
Mr White also briefed the PM on Google’s future plans, saying that the local office would deepen the company’s commitment to accelerating Pakistan’s digital transformation and build on years of existing partnership to create long-term opportunities for Pakistani youth and help local businesses go global.
Following the meeting, PM Shehbaz and Mr White formally inaugurated Google’s Pakistan office, terming it a “stepping stone” towards a long-term partnership.
Google first registered with the Securities and Exchange Commission of Pakistan in December 2022.
Published in Dawn, August 19th, 2026
