Google hosts Think Apps 2026 in Lahore to boost Pakistan’s app industry

LAHORE – Google hosted Think Apps 2026 in Lahore on Thursday. The event brought together Pakistani app developers, gaming studios and international industry experts. They discussed ways to boost Pakistan’s digital exports.

The event explored how artificial intelligence (AI) can help local developers build globally competitive products. It also highlighted ways to reach new audiences and grow their businesses.

According to Google, products developed by Pakistani studios generated 4.6 billion downloads worldwide over the past 12 months. The company said the figure highlighted the growing international reach of Pakistan’s app and gaming industry.

Google said rapid advances in AI offered new opportunities for local developers to improve production, develop new products and compete in international markets.

The event also explored AI tools, growth strategies and monetisation models that could help studios improve productivity, attract users and generate revenue.

Pakistan’s app industry expands

Pakistan’s app and gaming industry has grown from fewer than 30 people to more than 30,000 professionals, according to Google.

Local studios, including Game District and Funsol, have developed products for international audiences, demonstrating the potential of Pakistan’s digital economy.

Farhan Qureshi, Google’s cluster director for Pakistan, the Philippines, Thailand and Frontier Markets, said Pakistani developers had demonstrated the talent and ambition needed to compete globally.

He said Google aimed to equip developers with advanced AI capabilities so they could create products for international markets, build sustainable businesses and strengthen Pakistan’s position in the global digital economy.

AI offers new growth opportunities

App developers face growing competition and rising user acquisition costs. AI could help them address these challenges by speeding up coding, improving creative production and enabling them to develop products that respond to changing user needs.

However, developers will also need to maintain product quality and create engaging user experiences to achieve sustainable growth.

At Think Apps 2026, Google outlined its Build, Yield and Scale roadmap to support developers at different stages of business growth.

Google Cloud AI can help studios develop products, while Google Ads and AdMob offer tools for acquiring users and generating revenue through advertising.

Developers can also expand into new markets and app categories to reach more customers. Google Play, which has more than three billion monthly active users, offers access to a large international audience.

Google outlines plans to train 100,000 developers

The company has pledged to train 100,000 Pakistani developers in AI by 2028. The initiative aims to prepare local talent to develop new applications and games for global markets.

Google also plans to support the local production of 500,000 Chromebooks to improve access to technology for digital education.

In addition, the company said its Digital Pasban programme had delivered online safety training to 200,000 families.

These initiatives focus on developing technical skills, improving access to digital tools and helping young Pakistanis participate in the digital economy.

Think Apps 2026 was held at Lahore Fort, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, bringing Pakistan’s growing technology sector into a historic setting as developers explored opportunities for the country’s next phase of digital growth.

Key points:

• Google hosted Think Apps 2026 in Lahore to help Pakistan’s app and gaming industry expand globally.
• Pakistani developers generated 4.6 billion downloads worldwide over the past 12 months, according to Google.
• Pakistan’s app industry has grown from fewer than 30 people to more than 30,000 professionals.
• Google highlighted artificial intelligence (AI), advertising and monetisation tools to help local studios grow.
• Google plans to train 100,000 developers in AI by 2028 and support the local production of 500,000 Chromebooks.
• Google hosts Think Apps 2026 in Lahore to boost Pakistan’s app industry