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Pakistan’s app industry recorded 4.6 billion global downloads in a year. Discover how Google plans to help local developers harness AI and compete internationally.
Pakistan’s app and gaming industry is expanding its global footprint, with locally developed products recording 4.6 billion downloads worldwide over the past 12 months. At Think Apps 2026 in Lahore, Google highlighted how artificial intelligence (AI) could help Pakistani developers strengthen their international presence, improve monetisation and build globally competitive digital businesses.
The event brought together industry experts to discuss practical AI tools, growth strategies and monetisation models designed to help studios improve production efficiency and user engagement. Pakistan’s app development sector has grown from fewer than 30 people to more than 30,000 professionals, with studios such as Game District and Funsol contributing to its international success.
Farhan Qureshi, Google’s Cluster Director for Pakistan, the Philippines, Thailand and Frontier Markets, emphasised the potential of local talent to compete internationally. “The global impact of Pakistan’s developers reflects the world-class talent and ambition driving the local ecosystem,” Qureshi said, highlighting Google’s focus on equipping developers with advanced AI capabilities to create valuable products and sustainable businesses.
Developers are also facing rising competition and increasing user acquisition costs. AI-powered tools could help studios accelerate coding, improve creative workflows and respond to evolving user preferences, although long-term success will depend on delivering high-quality products that retain audiences.
Google presented its Build, Yield and Scale roadmap to support developers at different stages of growth. Google Cloud AI offers tools for product development, while Google Ads and AdMob support audience acquisition and monetisation. Meanwhile, Google Play provides access to more than three billion monthly active users, creating opportunities for Pakistani studios to reach international markets.
The company’s broader initiatives also aim to strengthen Pakistan’s digital talent pipeline. Google has pledged to train 100,000 developers in AI by 2028 and support the local production of 500,000 Chromebooks to improve access to digital education.
Additionally, its Digital Pasban programme has delivered online safety training to 200,000 families. Together, these initiatives aim to expand digital skills, improve technology access and help more Pakistanis participate in the global digital economy.
