Pakistan Sees Mobile App Boom with 1,000+ New Apps in 2025

Pakistan’s technology industry is evolving rapidly, displaying strong growth in mobile app usage even as domestic development activity shows signs of slowdown. As of October 2025, early indicators point to ongoing momentum in IT exports and emerging technologies, although full-year app launch data is still pending. These trends highlight Pakistan’s dynamic yet uneven digital transformation amid persistent economic challenges.

A Developer Ecosystem in Transition

In 2024, Pakistan witnessed the launch of 1,053 mobile applications, including 764 on Android and 289 on iOS. Despite this milestone, the number of active app developers dropped sharply by 26% to roughly 1,400, and Android app production fell 55%, marking its lowest point in five years.

This decline reflects broader macroeconomic pressures and changing market conditions. However, usage statistics tell a contrasting story: app downloads surged to 3.56 billion, a 9.2% increase year-on-year, ranking Pakistan ninth globally. Total app engagement reached 79.1 billion hours, a 14.1% rise, the fastest growth among comparable emerging markets.

For 2025, demand is expected to grow for developers specializing in AI, blockchain, machine learning, and 5G technologies. Collaborations with global companies like Google, Microsoft, and Huawei continue to offer mentorship, cloud access, and monetization opportunities, even as Microsoft scaled back direct operations in Pakistan mid-2025.

Innovation Hotspots and Category Leaders

Fintech, healthtech, education, e-commerce, and entertainment remain the most active sectors for app development. A growing focus on AI-driven, low-data applications emphasizes accessibility for rural users. Major tech hubs such as Lahore, Karachi, and Islamabad continue to lead, while emerging cities like Peshawar and Faisalabad are contributing through gaming and utility apps.

The rise of digital finance and payment apps aligns with Pakistan’s mobile-first economy and expanding fintech adoption, signaling a maturing innovation ecosystem.

Policy Push and Digital Reforms

The Ministry of Information Technology and Telecommunication (MoITT) continues to foster innovation through initiatives like Tech Destination Pakistan and the Ignite National Technology Fund. These programs support the Digital Pakistan Vision, which aims to strengthen entrepreneurship and improve digital literacy.

The Pakistan Startup Fund and national coding bootcamps aim to boost early-stage founders and technical talent. At GITEX Global 2025, Federal IT Minister Shaza Fatima Khawaja emphasized that “youth-led innovation will be central to Pakistan’s economic resilience,” noting that the introduction of Urdu for Meta AI aligns with the Prime Minister’s “Digital Nation Vision.”

Regional Position and Economic Outlook

Currently valued at approximately $3.5 billion, Pakistan’s technology sector remains smaller than regional leaders like India ($250 billion). However, progress is evident: IT exports reached a record $366 million in September 2025, and the broader IT services market is projected to hit $2.75 billion by year-end.

Pakistan ranked 93rd in the Global Innovation Index 2025, reflecting gradual improvement despite a mixed digital landscape. Analysts suggest that with continued policy support and increased investor confidence, the country could strengthen its position in AI, gaming, and software exports by 2026.