Pakistan students to get one-year free access to Google's AI tools under new deal

Pakistani students will receive free access to Google's advanced artificial intelligence tools for one year under an agreement signed between the government and the US technology giant.

Islamabad signed the deal this week as it seeks to expand digital skills and boost technology exports.

What does the Pakistan-Google AI deal offer students?

Pakistani students will get free one-year access to Google AI Plus, Gemini and other advanced AI tools under the agreement. The government said the move is designed to equip young people with skills needed in a rapidly evolving global technology market.

The deal also expands Google's Career Certificates program in the country.

What was agreed in the memorandum of understanding?

The memorandum of understanding was signed during a reception hosted by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif for a Google delegation. It will deepen cooperation between Pakistan and Google in artificial intelligence, digital payments, IT exports and other emerging technologies. Under the agreement, Google will target providing 150,000 Career Certificates in Pakistan during 2026, the government said in a statement on Friday.

Pakistan and Google will also work towards establishing an AI Centre of Excellence in Islamabad. The centre is intended to develop specialised skills and strengthen the country's technology workforce.

How will the deal support Pakistan's tech industry?

The cooperation will extend to Pakistan's mobile applications and gaming industries, with both sides aiming to improve the country's competitiveness in global technology markets. The agreement also covers digital payments and commerce, including expanding Pakistan's digital payments ecosystem. It includes efforts to connect small and medium-sized enterprises with international markets through digital platforms.

The government and Google will explore using artificial intelligence and data analytics in public services, including the Federal Board of Revenue's digitization efforts. They will also examine AI applications in agriculture, covering crop monitoring, forecasting and more sustainable farming practices.

What is the goal of Pakistan's wider digital economy push?

A joint task force made up of government officials, Google representatives and other stakeholders will develop a roadmap to increase Pakistan's IT exports and competitiveness. The task force will identify barriers to growth and explore new opportunities within the sector. The partnership forms part of Islamabad's broader push to expand its digital economy, with the government targeting $30 billion in digital economy and IT exports by 2030.

The government described the agreement as a step towards accelerating digital transformation. It said the deal aims to create greater opportunities for young people, startups and technology companies across Pakistan.