Shaza Fatima Meets Google VP in Seoul to Discuss AI and Tech Cooperation
Federal Minister for Information Technology and Telecommunication Shaza Fatima Khawaja has met senior Google officials in Seoul to discuss educational and technological cooperation, on the sidelines of the Global AI and Digital Summit 2026. The meeting with Google Vice President Wilson L. White marks another step in Pakistan’s push to deepen its partnership with global technology companies as it races to build a digital and AI-ready economy.
According to the state-run Associated Press of Pakistan (APP), the Shaza Fatima Google VP meeting took place on Monday, October 19, during the minister’s visit to South Korea. Both sides exchanged views on expanding Google’s network, presence and technological activities in Pakistan, and on ways to strengthen cooperation to support the development of artificial intelligence and digital technologies in the country.
Shaza Fatima Google VP Talks Focus on Education and Technology
During her meeting with Wilson L. White, the minister focused on educational and technological cooperation, discussing how Google’s expertise and platforms can support Pakistan’s growing digital ecosystem. The two sides explored opportunities for deeper collaboration in areas that directly affect Pakistani students, developers and technology businesses.
Expanding Google’s footprint in Pakistan has been a recurring theme in Islamabad’s technology diplomacy. With millions of Pakistani users relying on Google services daily, formal cooperation between the company and the government could unlock new programmes in digital skills training, developer support and AI adoption.
Global AI and Digital Summit 2026: Why Seoul Matters
The Global AI and Digital Summit 2026 is being held in Seoul from October 19 to 22, hosted by the World Bank Group together with South Korea’s Ministry of Science and ICT and its Ministry of Finance and Economy. The summit brings together global leaders to explore how AI and digital transformation can deliver practical development gains, with an emphasis on responsible AI that builds public trust.
Pakistan is using the summit to present its future roadmap during a dedicated session on the Digital and AI Compact. Pakistan is expected to become the first country to sign the compact, which aims to strengthen cooperation on digital technology and AI. During the visit, the minister is also participating in the AI and Digital Ministerial Meeting, where discussions focus on Pakistan’s priorities in artificial intelligence and digital inclusion.
Digital and AI Compact: Pakistan Set to Lead
Becoming the first signatory of the Digital and AI Compact would be a notable diplomatic achievement for Pakistan’s technology ministry. The compact is expected to mark a significant step in Pakistan’s efforts to advance digital technology and AI cooperation internationally, although officials have not yet disclosed the compact’s exact terms, the signing date, or the specific commitments Pakistan will make.
The minister is also scheduled to meet a vice president of the World Bank to discuss areas of cooperation, and to join key sessions on ensuring equitable access to the internet and digital services worldwide. These discussions highlight the importance of digital inclusion and expanding access to emerging technologies for Pakistan’s population.
Pakistan’s AI Roadmap and 3 Million Jobs Target
Pakistan’s presence at the Seoul summit comes against the backdrop of an ambitious national AI agenda. Under the National AI Policy 2025, the government has said it aims to create three million AI-related jobs by 2030, alongside its existing $1 billion AI programme covering shared GPU infrastructure, a sovereign multilingual model and thousands of scholarships.
The country’s IT and telecom export remittances reached a record Rs1.2 trillion ($4.6 billion) during the 2025-26 fiscal year, according to state media, underscoring the economic weight of the technology sector. The World Bank has acknowledged Pakistan’s strong performance on digital infrastructure relative to its income peers, even as it flags gaps in innovation and economic integration.
Notably, Pakistan does not currently have an AI-specific regulatory structure. Existing measures such as the National Cyber Security Policy 2021, the Pakistan Cloud First Policy 2022 and the CERT Rules 2023 are cited as addressing potential challenges associated with AI use. Officials have said the AI policy was formulated after consultations and that the government’s focus is now on implementation.
What the Google Meeting Could Mean for Pakistan
The Shaza Fatima Google VP meeting fits a pattern of Pakistan courting global tech giants to accelerate its digital transformation. Strengthened cooperation with Google could translate into expanded developer programmes, cloud and AI tools for local businesses, and educational initiatives aligned with the country’s AI skills targets.
For Pakistan’s young and growing developer community, closer ties with companies like Google carry practical benefits: better access to training resources, certifications and global platforms that connect local talent with international markets. As the government pushes to turn AI into an engine for productivity and exports, partnerships with established technology leaders may help bridge the gap between ambition and execution.
No detailed outcomes from the meeting have been publicly disclosed beyond the discussions described by APP. The minister’s visit to Seoul continues through the summit, with further sessions and bilateral engagements expected before the event concludes on October 22.
Sources: Tezkhabar TV (APP), ISN Media
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