Pakistan Signs MoU with Google for Free Gemini AI Plus and 150,000 Career Certificates
ISLAMABAD, August 21, 2026: The Government of Pakistan and Google have signed a landmark Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to accelerate the country’s digital transformation, expand access to advanced artificial intelligence tools and develop a skilled workforce capable of driving Pakistan’s digital economy toward a $30 billion target by 2030.
Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif witnessed the signing ceremony during a special reception hosted in honour of the visiting Google leadership delegation.
The event was attended by Minister for Information Technology and Telecommunication Shaza Fatima Khawaja, Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb, Google Vice President Government Affairs and Public Policy Wilson White, US Chargé d’Affaires Natalie A. Baker and senior government officials.
Under the agreement, Google plans to provide 150,000 Google Career Certificates to Pakistani youth in 2026, with the programme potentially expanding in subsequent years. The certificates are intended to equip young people with market-ready skills in high-demand technology fields and improve their employment prospects.
Free Gemini AI Plus Access for Students
A key component of the MoU is Google’s intention to explore providing Pakistani students with advanced AI tools, including one year of free access to Google AI Plus and Gemini Notebook.
The initiative is aimed at supporting students in academic and research activities while helping them develop AI capabilities that can contribute to Pakistan’s growing technology sector and IT exports.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif described the agreement as an important step in Pakistan’s long-term partnership with Google.
“It’s a wonderful day in our partnership. It’s a stepping stone towards a long journey of contributing towards a field that is very important,” the prime minister said.
He emphasized the importance of empowering Pakistan’s young population with modern technology and said the country’s youth could play a central role in transforming its economic prospects.
Google AI Centre of Excellence in Islamabad
Pakistan and Google also agreed to establish a dedicated Google AI Centre of Excellence in Islamabad.
The centre will focus on training Pakistani youth and developing human resources according to international technology market standards. It is expected to strengthen the country’s AI ecosystem and promote innovation, research and technology-led entrepreneurship.
Google Cluster Director for Pakistan, the Philippines and Thailand Farhan Qureshi said the partnership would help unlock Pakistan’s digital potential and empower the next generation of talent.
He said Google was proud to support Pakistan’s journey toward a $30 billion digital economy by expanding access to critical skills, advanced AI tools and sector-specific innovations.
AI to Support FBR Transformation
The agreement also covers the use of artificial intelligence in government.
Under the Prime Minister’s Federal Board of Revenue transformation plan, Google will support the FBR in using AI to modernize public service delivery, streamline government operations and accelerate digital transformation.
The partnership also envisages the use of AI in agriculture, including crop monitoring, yield forecasting and sustainable farming practices.
Digital platforms will further be used to help small and medium-sized enterprises expand their presence in international markets.
Support for Apps, Gaming and Digital Payments
Pakistan and Google will also work together to support local app developers and gaming studios while exploring measures to strengthen the country’s digital payments ecosystem.
The MoU includes cooperation on digital trade, mobile application development and gaming industry accelerators, potentially creating new opportunities for Pakistani technology companies and startups.
Joint Task Force to Boost IT Exports
A joint task force comprising representatives from the government, Google and key industry stakeholders will be established to identify barriers and opportunities related to IT export growth.
The task force will examine areas including an investment framework for hardware manufacturing and technology services, improving Pakistan’s access to global markets and strengthening the skills of the country’s human resources.
Minister for IT and Telecommunications Shaza Fatima Khawaja said the government had been working to modernize Pakistan’s digital infrastructure, improve the business environment and expand the country’s IT skills base.
She said the agreement with Google represented a significant step in advancing Pakista n’s digital transformation agenda and positioning the country as a competitive player in the global digital economy.
The MoU was signed by Secretary of the Ministry of IT and Telecommunication Zarrar Hasham Khan and Google Head of South-East Asia and South Asia Public Policy David Weller.
The agreement brings together initiatives covering AI education, career certifications, government digitalization, agriculture, fintech, app development, gaming and IT exports, with the broader objective of strengthening Pakistan’s digital economy and creating new opportunities for its young population.
