CM Murad launches major AI, digital skills drive with google partnership

KARACHI, Jul 01 (APP): Sindh Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah on Wednesday launched three major initiatives aimed at accelerating the province’s digital transformation. The initiatives include a Google Gemini Artificial Intelligence (AI) training programme for cabinet members and senior government officials, the launch of 20,000 Google Career Certificate scholarships for university students, and the inauguration of Sindh’s first Google Gemini for Education Corner at NED University of Engineering & Technology.
The initiatives, launched in collaboration with Google and Tech Valley Pakistan, underscore the Sindh government’s commitment to integrating emerging technologies into governance while equipping young people with globally recognised digital skills for the evolving digital economy.
The ceremonies were attended by provincial ministers, advisers, special assistants, spokespersons, Chief Secretary Asif Hyder Shah, Special Assistant to the Chief Minister on Information Technology Muhammad Ali Rashid, Secretary IT Zulfikar Ali Nizamani, Chairman of the Sindh Higher Education Commission Dr Tariq Rafi, Tech Valley Pakistan CEO Umer Farooq, Google for Education Head Dr Mazen Abdullah, Google Pakistan APAC Digital Advisor Alex Galland, senior government officials, university leaders, faculty members and students.
At CM House, the Chief Minister presided over an orientation and training session on Google Gemini AI for cabinet members and senior officials. Addressing the participants, he described Artificial Intelligence as one of the most transformative technologies of the modern era and stressed the need to prepare government institutions for the future.
Murad Ali Shah said AI has the potential to streamline administrative processes, analyse large volumes of data, strengthen policymaking and improve public service delivery across sectors including healthcare, education, agriculture, urban planning, disaster management, finance and law enforcement. He urged cabinet members to embrace emerging technologies and identify practical applications to enhance governance and improve services for citizens.
Following the training session, the Chief Minister launched the Google Career Certificate Programme 2026 and witnessed the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the Sindh Science & Information Technology Department, the Sindh Higher Education Commission and Tech Valley Pakistan.
Under the initiative, 20,000 Google Career Certificate scholarships will be awarded to students enrolled in public-sector universities across Sindh, enabling them to earn internationally recognised certifications in high-demand digital fields.
Speaking on the occasion, Murad Ali Shah described the programme as a transformative investment in the future of Sindh’s youth and the province’s digital economy. He welcomed the expansion of the programme to all public-sector universities, ensuring equitable access to digital learning opportunities for talented students across the province.
The Chief Minister also highlighted the programme’s emphasis on women, persons with disabilities and students from underserved communities, saying digital education can help eliminate traditional barriers and create equal opportunities.
The ceremony concluded with the formal signing of the MoU by the Secretary of the Science & Information Technology Department, the Chairman of the Sindh Higher Education Commission and the Chief Executive Officer of Tech Valley Pakistan in the presence of the Chief Minister.
Later, Murad Ali Shah visited NED University of Engineering & Technology, where he inaugurated Sindh’s first Google Gemini for Education Corner, established through a partnership between NED University, Google and Tech Valley Pakistan.
Addressing the gathering as chief guest, the Chief Minister described the Gemini Corner as a gateway to the future and a significant step towards preparing Sindh’s students for the age of Artificial Intelligence. He commended NED University for pioneering direct access to world-class AI technologies within a public-sector university, enabling students to learn, innovate and compete on a global stage.
Murad Ali Shah congratulated NED University, Google, Tech Valley Pakistan, the Sindh Higher Education Commission and the Science & Information Technology Department for making the landmark initiative possible.