Pakistan has announced what officials are calling the “launch” of the country’s first Google Chromebook assembly line, a move aimed at boosting digital access and promoting local tech manufacturing.

However, despite the celebratory tone of the announcement, the project is still in its planning and setup phase rather than full-scale production. The announcement was made by Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar during a ceremony in Islamabad on Tuesday.

Calling the development a “momentous occasion for Pakistan’s technology sector,” Dar said the local assembly of Google Chromebooks would help make affordable, education-focused laptops accessible to students, teachers, and professionals across the country.

He said the initiative marks a step toward digitally empowering Pakistan’s youth and building the foundation for future exports of technology products.

“Local Chromebook assembly will not only benefit the education sector but also generate new jobs, strengthen the technology supply chain, and attract investment in Pakistan’s IT manufacturing landscape,” Dar said.

He added that Google’s entry into local assembly partnerships could help connect Pakistan’s startups and entrepreneurs with international digital platforms, offering training, collaboration, and global exposure.

Industry observers noted that this initiative could complement Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz’s recent approval of a Google Chromebook manufacturing facility, which includes features such as built-in AI learning tools, Gemini integration, and Read Along language learning modules.

If implemented successfully, Pakistan’s first Chromebook assembly line could mark a turning point in the country’s digital transformation, aligning with broader goals to expand e-learning, local production, and export-driven technology growth.