Pakistanis collectively spent 79.1 billion hours using mobile apps in 2024, marking a 14.1% increase from 69.3 billion hours in 2023, according to the State of Apps 2024 report[1] by Data Darbar, based on data from data.ai. The number shows growing dependence on smartphones for communication, entertainment, and work, with total app usage nearly doubling since 2020, when it stood at 39.9 billion hours.
The report shows that Pakistan recorded one of the fastest growth rates in app engagement among comparable emerging markets. While global app usage grew by only 5.5%, Pakistan’s surge was nearly triple that pace. Countries such as Egypt, Indonesia, and Mexico posted smaller gains, spotlighting Pakistan’s rapid digital adoption driven by expanding 4G access, affordable smartphones, and a rising demand for entertainment and financial apps.
App downloads in Pakistan also continued to climb, reaching 3.56 billion in 2024, a 9.2% increase over the previous year. Social media, video streaming, and mobile banking remained the most popular categories. Among the top-performing apps were TikTok, Facebook, Tamasha, JazzCash, and Easypaisa, all of which saw steady growth in user activity.
Average monthly mobile data usage[2] rose to 8.4 GB per user.
Despite this progress, the report notes that Pakistan still faces challenges in local app development and digital infrastructure. Sustaining this momentum, it adds, will require greater investment in connectivity and innovation to support the country’s fast-growing digital economy.
References
- ^ State of Apps 2024 report (propakistani.pk)
- ^ monthly mobile data usage (propakistani.pk)