Pakistan urges Google to strengthen digital safety as Tech partnership expands

Minister of State for Interior Talal Chaudhry has called on Google to take Pakistan’s unique circumstances into consideration

Lahore, August 19, 2026: Minister of State for Interior Talal Chaudhry has called on Google to take Pakistan’s unique circumstances into consideration and work closely with the government to promote a safer and more secure digital environment.

The discussion took place shortly after Google opened its first office in Pakistan, a move described by the company as a sign of confidence in the country’s digital potential, workforce and growing technology sector. Google has already been working with the Pakistani government on programmes related to digital skills, startups, developers, gaming, hardware production and online safety.

A senior Google delegation, led by Senior Director David Wheeler, met Talal Chaudhry to discuss several issues concerning the country’s digital environment. The meeting focused on digital security, the use of social media to counter terrorism, the removal of harmful online material and stronger cooperation between Google and Pakistani authorities. Google Pakistan representative Dr Kyle Gardner also attended the meeting.

Chaudhry said Pakistan was interested in expanding cooperation with Google to help create a peaceful and secure online environment. He stressed that Pakistan’s geographical and security circumstances differ from those of many other countries and said digital platforms should consider these factors when operating in the country.

The minister also raised concerns about terrorist organisations using social media platforms to spread fear and promote extremist activities. He said proactive monitoring and timely action against harmful content were important for maintaining online security.

Wheeler assured the Pakistani government that Google would continue working with relevant authorities to support a safer digital environment. Representatives from the Social Media Protection and Regulation Authority and the National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency also participated in the meeting.

Google has increased its involvement in Pakistan’s technology sector in recent years. Since 2022, the company has provided around 350,000 Career Certificate scholarships, while its developer programmes have reached approximately 300,000 developers. Google has also supported local Chromebook assembly and offered training in digital skills, artificial intelligence, gaming and emerging technologies.

Separately, Federal Minister for IT and Telecommunication Shaza Fatima Khawaja welcomed Google’s decision to establish an office in Pakistan. She said the company’s presence could strengthen the country’s talent pipeline and provide additional support to the domestic technology ecosystem.

Khawaja said the arrival of Google and other international technology companies could encourage more global firms to establish operations in Pakistan. She described the physical presence of major technology companies as evidence of growing international confidence in Pakistan’s economy and technology sector.

The minister also highlighted the government’s efforts to accelerate digital transformation, including digital governance, cashless payments, improvements in revenue systems and development of the digital economy. She said Pakistan’s IT exports had grown significantly over the previous two and a half years, while the country’s freelancing economy had surpassed $1 billion during the year.

She credited Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s leadership and the government’s broader digitalisation strategy for helping strengthen the technology sector. She also highlighted the role of the Special Investment Facilitation Council and the Ministry of IT in supporting Google’s expansion.

Khawaja said cooperation with Google had resulted in hundreds of thousands of certifications and training opportunities. Programmes such as AI Seekho have attracted thousands of teams, while additional initiatives have trained developers, companies, students and professionals in areas including gaming, animation, app development and design.

She also pointed to the local assembly of Google Chromebooks and government efforts to explore potential export opportunities. Training initiatives related to journalism and online safety were also highlighted.

According to Khawaja, Pakistan’s IT exports reached $417 million in July, representing an 18% year-on-year increase. She said the sector’s high trade surplus was particularly valuable for the country’s foreign exchange position.

The government expects continued cooperation with Google to contribute to digital skills, technology investment, online safety and economic growth while strengthening Pakistan’s position in the global technology industry.