Hajra Naz
The annual Year in Search report from Google painted a vivid picture of the nation’s digital habits, highlighting a blend of interests in sports, entertainment, cuisine, and technology that kept users engaged online.
Technology
Emerging AI tools were a major focus this year, with a surge in searches for ChatGPT Login, Gemini and Remaker AI, indicating a growing fascination with artificial intelligence. In addition, interest in cutting-edge smartphones, particularly those by Infinix, Redmi, Vivo, and Apple, revealed a strong desire among users to stay technologically up-to-date.
Cricket
Unsurprisingly, cricket maintained its status as a national obsession. The ICC T20 World Cup commanded attention, while searches for PSL 2024 fixtures and key players like Shoaib Malik and Sajid Khan underscored the country’s unwavering passion for the sport. On a historical note, Olympic athlete Arshad Nadeem became a trending topic after earning Pakistan its first gold medal in nearly 30 years.
Famous Personalities
The public’s interest in notable figures wasn’t confined to sports. Celebrities like Sana Javed and Zoya Nasir, alongside Indian magnate Mukesh Ambani and social media influencers such as Hareem Shah and Minahil Malik, also dominated the search bar.
Films and Television
The entertainment scene saw thriving interest, with Pakistani dramas such as Ishq Murshid and Kabhi Main Kabhi Tum drawing consistent online traffic. Across the border, Bollywood movies including Animal, Dunki, Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3, and Stree 2 captured attention, alongside popular series like Mirzapur Season 3 and the reality show Bigg Boss.
Culinary Adventures
Food enthusiasts flocked to Google for recipes spanning both local and international flavors. Favorites included banana bread, creamy pasta, malpura, and tawa kaleji. Quick snacks like garlic bread and egg noodles, as well as beverages such as peach iced tea, reflected the wide-ranging tastes of Pakistani users.
Practical Searches
The “how-to” category reflected a mix of everyday problem-solving and broader societal engagement. Queries on locating polling stations reflected the election buzz, while searches on preserving flowers and parenting advice—like teaching young children to share—demonstrated a focus on creativity and family life.
Farhan Qureshi, Google’s Country Director for Pakistan, shared his perspective on the findings:
“This year’s trends show a Pakistan that embraces its traditions while eagerly stepping into the digital era. From sports and food to entertainment and self-expression, Pakistanis continue to use Google as a bridge to their passions and future aspirations.”
