Google Looks For Long Term Presence in Pakistan
Google is looking for a for long term business presence in Pakistan by establishing its office in the country, and investing $500,000 in the ‘Digital Pasban’ initiative to help Pakistani families stay safer at online space.
It was announced at the here on Thursday at the launch of the Digital Pasban initiative, under which Google aims to equip 200,000 households with Urdu-language safety toolkits, videos, and parental workshops.Google Opens Office in Pakistan to Accelerate the Nation’s Digital Economy
Farhan Qureshi, Google’s Cluster Director for Pakistan, Philippines, Thailand, and Frontier Markets highlighted the importance of Google’s establishing its office in Karachi, Pakistan, and said that the move will showcase a positive image of the country in digital industry.
He added that Google was looking for a long term presence in the country and the Pakistan office will look after business developments in the country and promote more people to come online to learn, create and connect.
“Per capita investment in the digital industry is much higher in the digital space compared to other sectors and Pakistan has huge potentials not only as content creators but as game producers, free lancers and tech experts,” he added.
“Pakistan was moving very fast and digital adaptability too is very fast, there is a huge potential in the country,” Mr Qureshi added.
Addressing the launching ceremony, Chairman, Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) Major Gen. (Retired) Hafeez Ur Rehman said, that Google was the most compliant platform, addressing move than 88 percent complaints lodged by the telecom regulator.
He added that the PTA receives around 500 complaints daily at its social media account related to inappropriate contents negative activities related to children.
“Enforcement has to be strong but preventive safeguards are needed,” he added.
Chairman PTA added that connectivity, internet and even social media was the need of time, they have business potentials – these should not be restricted, however the negatives attached to it should be contained.
“We have to be careful, anything and everything in the name of freedom is not right and this issue is being faced by Europe, Australia and other countries who have made age restrictions for social media,” he added.
Chairman PTA said, “We all have to make the future of our next generation safer and secure at digital space but also make it progressive for them through positive usage of digital space.”
While, Wilson White, Vice President Public Policy Google highlighted that digital world was wide and the threats are not visible, therefore a balancing act was needed to prevent against cyber bullying, grooming etc and inappropriate contents.
“We need to move from digital anxiety to digital confidence among the parents and children,” Mr White said.
He highlighted that Google.org is committing $500,000 to work with local partners, and equip young people and adults with the tools needed to build healthy online habits and navigate digital risks confidently.
