Google marked the completion of two years of its Digital Sahafat initiative, which has equipped Pakistani journalists and journalism students with the skills to use Google AI tools for fact-checking, improving work efficiency, and developing sustainable newsroom practices.
The ceremony, held at the Pearl Continental Hotel in Lahore, highlighted the programme’s achievements since its launch in 2024 and its expansion to Balochistan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
The event was attended by Ali Dar, adviser to the Punjab chief minister on AI, international cooperation and special initiatives, along with prominent figures from the media industry. Representatives of Google, including Kate Beddoe, managing director of News Partnerships, APAC, also participated. Policymakers, senior journalists, media executives and programme beneficiaries were among the other attendees.
“No government can do this alone. It takes Google, Tech Valley, our universities, and our media houses working together. That to me is what future-forward Pakistan means,” said Ali Dar.
Digital Sahafat, an initiative led by ed-tech social enterprise Tech Valley, follows a cascade training approach in which master trainers are equipped to train journalists, media professionals and students across the country. The programme has been implemented in partnership with leading media organisations, government institutions and prominent universities.
Over 4,000 Journalists Receive Training
Since its launch in 2024, Digital Sahafat has provided training to more than 4,000 journalists, journalism students and media professionals, along with over 60 master trainers in Punjab, Sindh, Balochistan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. According to the findings of the programme’s 2025 participant surveys:
- 85% of participants have incorporated Google AI tools into their everyday work.
- Nearly 68% reported saving over 25% of their time on routine daily tasks.
- Participants recorded a 260% increase in their confidence in using AI tools.
Kate Beddoe said she was proud to mark the achievements of Digital Sahafat, adding that witnessing journalists throughout Pakistan not only adopt AI but also actively embrace the technology was motivating Google’s efforts to support the news industry across the Asia-Pacific region.
