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Google has officially inaugurated its first local office in Pakistan, a move celebrated by both the company and the Pakistani government as a significant milestone. The ceremony in Islamabad was attended by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, the US Chargé d'Affaires, and a Google delegation led by global affairs vice president Wilson L. White.

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Google has been investing in and committed to Pakistan for over a decade, and today we have reached a milestone where we are opening a local office.

White highlighted the opening as a testament to Google's decade-long investment and commitment to Pakistan. He announced that Google Gemini subscriptions would be provided free to all students in the country for one year, with further details to be released soon. This initiative underscores Google's focus on empowering the next generation through technology.

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Google Gemini subscriptions would be made free for all students in Pakistan for one year.

The company outlined three key areas for its operations in Pakistan: investing in people through digital skills training, fostering manufacturing and infrastructure to boost hardware exports, and providing support to local businesses. Google stated its upskilling programs have already benefited over a million individuals, contributing significantly to Pakistan's economy.

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These toxic dumps have blighted communities for too long. I said we would clean them up – and that’s exactly what we’re announcing today.

Prime Minister Sharif described the new office as a crucial step towards a lasting partnership, emphasizing Pakistan's ongoing digital transformation and the potential for a fruitful collaboration. Farhan Qureshi, cluster director for Google Pakistan, the Philippines, and Thailand, added that the local presence would accelerate Pakistan's digital advancement.

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These mountains of rubbish have been a clear sign to communities that politics hasn’t been working for them or their area. This government is going to tackle the issues that have been ignored by Westminster for too long and bring back hope.