Google trains over 4,000 Pakistani journalists in AI tools

LAHORE: More than 4,000 Pakistani journalists, journalism students and media professionals have received training in artificial intelligence tools under Google’s Digital Journalism programme, launched in September 2024 to strengthen fact-checking, newsroom efficiency and sustainable journalistic practices.

The programme marked its second anniversary at an event in Lahore attended by Punjab Chief Minister’s Adviser on Artificial Intelligence, International Cooperation and Special Initiatives Ali Dar, HUM Network founder and Chairperson Sultana Siddiqui, HUM Network Chief Executive Officer Duraid Qureshi and Google’s Managing Director for News Partnerships, Asia Pacific, Kate Beddoe.

Policymakers, senior journalists, media executives and programme participants also attended the event.

Speaking at the event, Ali Dar said no government could achieve the programme’s objectives on its own, stressing the need for collaboration among Google, Tech Valley, universities and media organisations.

“In my view, this reflects a Pakistan that understands the demands of the future and is prepared for them,” he said.

Expanding AI skills in newsrooms

Google launched the Digital Journalism programme in September 2024 to help Pakistani journalists strengthen their professional skills and improve the verification of online content through practical training in AI tools.

Implemented in partnership with Tech Valley, an organisation working in educational technology, the programme follows a phased training model under which master trainers are prepared to deliver courses to journalists, media professionals and students across the country.

The initiative is being supported by leading media organisations, government departments and universities. Its partners include the Punjab Higher Education Department, Sindh’s Science and Information Technology Department, the information departments of Sindh and Balochistan, Beaconhouse National University, International Islamic University Islamabad, Sindh Madressatul Islam University, Bahria University and the University of Karachi.

More than 4,000 participants trained

Since 2024, the programme has trained more than 4,000 journalists, journalism students and media professionals across Punjab, Sindh, Balochistan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, alongside more than 60 master trainers.

An assessment of participants in the 2025 programme found that 85 per cent were using Google’s AI tools in their daily work.

Nearly 68 per cent reported saving more than 25 per cent of their time on routine tasks, while participants reported a 260 per cent increase in their confidence in using AI tools.

Kate Beddoe said she was proud of the programme’s impact and achievements, adding that it was encouraging to see journalists across Pakistan not only adopting AI but also making it part of their regular work.

She said the progress would further strengthen Google’s partnerships and efforts with the news industry across the Asia-Pacific region.