LAHORE: Google hosted Think Apps 2026 at the historic Lahore Fort on Thursday, bringing together Pakistan’s leading app developers, gaming studios and international industry experts to strengthen the country’s position as a global app and gaming hub.
The event focused on accelerating the international growth of Pakistani studios through artificial intelligence, improved monetisation strategies and access to global markets. It also highlighted the growing contribution of locally developed applications and games to Pakistan’s digital economy and export potential.
According to figures shared by Google, apps and games developed by Pakistani studios recorded 4.6 billion downloads worldwide over the past 12 months, reflecting the industry’s expanding international reach.
The event, held against the backdrop of the UNESCO-listed Lahore Fort, brought together developers and industry leaders to discuss how Pakistan could build a sustainable digital industry capable of competing in international markets.
Pakistan’s app and gaming industry expands globally
Pakistan’s app and gaming ecosystem has grown significantly over the years, developing from an industry with fewer than 30 professionals into one supporting more than 30,000 people.
Pakistani studios have increasingly established themselves in international markets, developing applications and games used by millions of people worldwide.
Companies such as Game District and Funsol were highlighted as examples of local studios building products for audiences beyond Pakistan.
Addressing the gathering, Farhan Qureshi, Google Cluster Director for Pakistan, the Philippines, Thailand and Frontier Markets, said the international success of Pakistani developers demonstrated the country’s growing technological capabilities.
“The global impact of Pakistan’s developers reflects the world-class talent and ambition driving the local ecosystem,” Qureshi said.
He said Google’s objective was to help developers use advanced AI technologies to accelerate growth, develop competitive products and strengthen Pakistan’s contribution to the global digital economy.
“By empowering developers with cutting-edge AI capabilities, our goal is to accelerate this momentum and enable studios to build high-value products that resonate globally, foster sustainable business growth, and elevate Pakistan’s position in the global digital economy,” he added.
Google outlines strategies for sustainable growth
Think Apps 2026 also focused on the challenges facing Pakistani app developers and gaming studios, including increasing international competition, rising user acquisition costs and the need to generate sustainable revenue.
Industry experts discussed practical approaches to improving product development, attracting international users and increasing engagement through artificial intelligence and digital marketing tools.
Google presented its Build, Yield and Scale roadmap, designed to support developers at different stages of business growth.
Under the framework, Google Cloud AI can help studios accelerate development and improve production processes, while Google Ads and AdMob offer tools for user acquisition and monetisation.
The roadmap also encourages developers to explore new product categories, reach additional international audiences and expand into higher-value markets.
Google highlighted the global reach of Google Play, which serves more than three billion monthly active users, as an opportunity for Pakistani developers to distribute their products internationally.
Speakers also emphasised that adopting AI alone would not guarantee success, noting that product quality, user experience and customer retention remained essential to sustainable growth.
Google pledges to train 100,000 Pakistani developers
Alongside its focus on international business growth, Google highlighted initiatives aimed at strengthening Pakistan’s future technology workforce.
The company has pledged to train 100,000 developers in artificial intelligence by 2028 to help build local expertise in next-generation applications and gaming technologies.
Google also outlined plans supporting the local production of 500,000 Chromebooks to expand access to technology for digital education.
Through its Digital Pasban programme, the company has provided online safety training to 200,000 families, supporting digital awareness and safer internet use.
These initiatives are intended to improve technical skills, broaden access to digital tools and prepare more Pakistanis to participate in the international technology industry.
Think Apps 2026 placed Pakistan’s expanding app and gaming industry at the centre of discussions on digital exports, with Google highlighting the potential for local developers to convert their growing international audience into sustainable businesses and greater participation in the global digital economy.