Is Google finally coming to Pakistan? Here’s what the IT Minister says
During a recent session of the National Assembly Standing Committee on Information Technology, Federal Minister Shaza Fatima addressed concerns over Microsoft’s declining presence in Pakistan and sparked optimism by hinting at Google’s potential expansion in the country.
IT officials and committee members attended the meeting to address the dual challenges of global tech layoffs and Pakistan’s need for stronger digital partnerships. When committee member Sadiq Memon questioned whether Microsoft was shutting down operations in Pakistan, Minister Shaza Fatima clarified that Microsoft has only five employees in the country and operates through a liaison office rather than a full-scale operations center.
She clarified that people had misinterpreted recent reports. According to her, Microsoft had already laid off 16,000 employees globally in the past year and over 900,000 before that, well before any rumors about Pakistan emerged. She added that it remains unclear whether the five Microsoft representatives currently in Pakistan will stay or leave.
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While Microsoft maintains a minimal presence in Pakistan, Google’s potential entry is creating major buzz. Minister Shaza confirmed that Google is actively collaborating with the IT Ministry to deliver 500,000 certifications to enhance digital skills among Pakistani youth. More significantly, she hinted that the government is already in talks with Google about establishing a more permanent and official presence in the country.
She stated that discussions about Google entering the Pakistani market more directly are ongoing, fueling speculation that the company may soon establish a local presence or even open a regional office in the country.
