Google Think Apps 2026 Highlights Pakistan’s Digital Growth
LAHORE, October 22, 2026: Google has brought together Pakistan’s leading app developers, gaming studios and international technology experts at Think Apps 2026 in Lahore, highlighting the role of artificial intelligence (AI) in expanding the country’s digital exports and strengthening its position in the global technology market.
Held against the historic backdrop of Lahore Fort, the event focused on practical AI applications, business growth strategies and monetisation opportunities to help Pakistani developers build competitive products for international audiences.
According to figures shared at the event, applications and games developed in Pakistan generated 4.6 billion downloads worldwide over the past 12 months, reflecting the growing international reach of the country’s digital products.
Pakistan’s App Industry Expands
Pakistan’s app and gaming industry has grown from a small community of fewer than 30 people to an ecosystem employing more than 30,000 professionals. Local studios, including Game District and Funsol, are contributing to this expansion by developing products for users across international markets.
Farhan Qureshi, Google’s Cluster Director for Pakistan, the Philippines, Thailand and Frontier Markets, said Pakistani developers had demonstrated considerable talent and ambition in reaching global audiences.
He said Google aims to support local studios through advanced AI capabilities, helping them create high-value products, establish sustainable businesses and strengthen Pakistan’s participation in the global digital economy.
AI Creates New Opportunities for Developers
The event examined how AI can help developers accelerate coding, improve creative production and respond more effectively to changing user needs.
Google also highlighted its Build, Yield and Scale approach, outlining tools and services designed to support different stages of app development and business expansion.
Google Cloud AI can assist studios in product development, while Google Ads and AdMob provide tools for audience acquisition and monetisation. Developers can also explore international markets and new customer segments to expand their businesses.
Google Play, which has more than three billion monthly active users, offers developers access to a substantial global audience. However, sustained growth will also depend on product quality, effective user engagement and the ability to manage rising competition and acquisition costs.
Google Announces Continued Investment in Pakistan
Google also highlighted initiatives aimed at strengthening Pakistan’s digital skills and expanding access to technology.
The company has pledged to train 100,000 Pakistani developers in AI by 2028, supporting the development of next-generation applications and games.
Another initiative aims to enable local production of 500,000 Chromebooks, with the objective of improving access to digital learning tools. Google also highlighted its Digital Pasban programme, through which online safety training has been delivered to 200,000 families.
These initiatives focus on developing technical skills, improving access to digital education and promoting safer participation in the online world.
Strengthening Pakistan’s Digital Exports
Think Apps 2026 highlighted the opportunities available to Pakistani developers as AI reshapes the global technology industry. With a growing professional workforce and products reaching millions of users internationally, the country’s app and gaming sector has potential to expand its contribution to digital exports.
Google’s focus on AI tools, monetisation and international market access aims to help local studios turn their technical capabilities into sustainable businesses and compete more effectively in the global digital economy.