Availability of the internet in remotest areas of Pakistan and reduced expenses on latest tools have promoted information technology in the country, said Badar Khushnood, Country Consultant, Google Pakistan, while responding quires of participants of the fund launching ceremony jointly organized by Pakistan Software House Association and Goggle Pakistan.
He said the current position of information technology in the country is not the end of development. The talent of this country is about to touch new peaks, he said. “Our youngsters only need guidance and opportunities to excel.”
The soft-spoken Google representative said the internet is meeting human needs in a large number of areas such as business, education, sports and recreation. This has made the internet an integral part of everyday life. “The internet has provided new content for everyone and made communication a lot easier. These things give a boost to whatever you do in life.”
When asked about the wrong use of the internet by the Pakistanis in the past such as for watching porn or cheating people, he said confidently that today’s youth is using the internet for doing valuable things. “Our youngsters are no longer in the business of making fake websites to earn money. They are making websites to improve politics, economics and society, which is a source of income as well.”
To a question about Google’s limiting some of its services in the country and closure of ad accounts, Khushnood said that Google has taken steps to check those who earn money through engineered methods and to encourage those who are doing something worthwhile. He said some technical advancements have been made, which has improved the situation.
When asked what Google was doing to promote competition in the country, he said Pakistan Association of Software Houses was given Rs20 million to support people who could not work on their ideas because of lack of money. He said Google was going to organise ‘Blogger of the Year Award’ to induce bloggers to do even better and improve the society.
He said educational institutions, particularly universities, should include in their courses training to use the internet.
The number of internet users in the country would increase to over 80 million from current 18 million if the price of using internet remained low and the infrastructure was improved further, said Khushnood, confidently.
Dear TNT Reader,
At The News Tribe, our mission is to bring you free, independent, and unbiased news and content that keeps you informed and empowered. We are committed to upholding the highest standards of journalism, as we understand that we are a platform for truth.
Apart from independent global news coverage, we also commit our unique focus on the Muslim world. In an age marked by the troubling rise of Islamophobia and widespread misrepresentation of Muslims in Western media, we strive to provide accurate and fair coverage.
But to continue doing so, we need your support. Even a small donation of 1$ can make a big difference. Your contribution will help us maintain the quality of our news and counteract the negative narratives that are so prevalent.
Please consider donating today to ensure we can keep delivering the news that matters. Together, we can make a positive impact on the world, and work towards a more inclusive, informed global society.
Donate Monthly Subscription Annual Subscription