Google’s Year in Search 2024 has unveiled the key online trends shaping Pakistan’s digital landscape, providing a window into the nation’s interests, preferences, and growing adoption of technology. This year’s search trends reflect a society that balances its rich cultural heritage with a keen embrace of modern advancements. From cricket and entertainment to food and artificial intelligence, Pakistanis explored a diverse range of topics that define their evolving digital journey.
Cricket Dominates the Search Trends
Unsurprisingly, cricket emerged as the dominant theme in Pakistan’s search activity. The ICC T20 World Cup drew massive attention, with searches peaking during high-stakes matches involving the national team. Key matchups such as Pakistan’s games against India, England, Australia, and Bangladesh were among the top queries. The Pakistan Super League (PSL) 2024 also maintained its grip on public interest, with searches for schedules, team matchups, and player performances trending throughout the year.
Individual athletes also captured attention. Veteran cricketers Shoaib Malik and Sajid Khan were widely searched, while javelin thrower Arshad Nadeem became a national hero after his Olympic gold medal win, sparking a surge in online interest.
In the cricket category, the top searches for 2024 included:
- T20 World Cup
- Pakistan vs England
- Pakistan vs Bangladesh
- Pakistan vs Australia
- Pakistan vs India
- PSL 2024 Schedule
- Pakistan vs USA
- India vs England
- India vs South Africa
- India vs England
Entertainment: A Blend of Local and Bollywood Favorites
Entertainment searches showcased Pakistan’s love for both local dramas and Bollywood films. Popular Pakistani serials like Ishq Murshid and Kabhi Main Kabhi Tum captured the imagination of viewers, while Bollywood movies such as Animal, Dunki, and Stree 2 gained considerable traction. Reality TV remained a stronghold, with Bigg Boss 17 attracting wide attention and the eagerly awaited Mirzapur Season 3 also featuring prominently in search trends.
In the entertainment category, the top searches included:
- Heeramandi
- 12th Fail
- Animal
- Mirzapur Season 3
- Stree 2
- Ishq Murshid
- Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3
- Dunki
- Bigg Boss 17
- Kabhi Main Kabhi Tum
Food: A Nation’s Culinary Curiosity
Food remained a favorite search category for Pakistanis, reflecting a dynamic and diverse culinary culture. Online users looked up recipes for both traditional and international dishes, ranging from banana bread and creamy pasta to local favorites like malpura and tawa kaleji. Quick and easy recipes, such as garlic bread and egg noodles, also saw an uptick in interest. Seasonal drinks like peach iced tea highlighted a growing trend for refreshing beverages.
In the recipes category, the top searches were:
- Banana bread recipe
- Malpura recipe
- Garlic bread recipe
- Chocolate chip cookie recipe
- Tawa kaleji recipe
- Peach iced tea recipe
- Creamy pasta recipe
- Pizza recipe
- Egg noodle recipe
- Hashbrown recipe
The Rise of AI and Tech Searches
The digital evolution of Pakistan was further underscored by the surge in searches related to artificial intelligence and smartphones. Tools like Gemini and Remaker AI attracted significant interest, reflecting an increasing curiosity about emerging technologies. Smartphone searches focused on popular models from Infinix, Redmi, and Apple, illustrating the nation’s tech-savvy consumer behavior. Queries for ChatGPT and Bing Image Creator highlighted a growing trend towards AI-driven productivity and creativity tools.
In the tech category, the most searched items were:
- ChatGPT login
- Bing Image Creator
- Infinix Note 30
- Vivo Y100
- Gemini
- Infinix Hot 50 Pro
- Redmi Note 13
- iPhone 16 Pro Max
- Infinix Note 40
- Remaker AI
Curiosity in Everyday “How-To” Queries
Practical “how-to” searches showed that Pakistanis are increasingly turning to Google for guidance on a variety of everyday tasks. Popular searches ranged from checking polling station details to finding tips on parenting, car buying, and fitness recovery. Unique and humorous queries, such as “How to make millions before grandma dies,” also made the list, reflecting the diverse and sometimes quirky nature of online searches.
The top “how-to” searches included:
- How to check polling station
- How to make millions before grandma dies
- How to buy a used car
- How to make flowers last longer
- How to download YouTube videos on PC
- How to earn without investment
- How to teach my four-year-old to share
- How to get a grass stain out of jeans
- How to start working out again after a knee injury
- How to watch World Cup live
People Searches: Influential Figures and Rising Stars
Searches for notable individuals reflected a mix of local celebrities, athletes, and international figures. Arshad Nadeem’s achievements in sports made him a top search, while celebrities like Shoaib Malik, Sajid Khan, and Sana Javed continued to intrigue the public. Social media influencers like Hareem Shah and Minahil Malik also drew considerable attention. Indian business magnate Mukesh Ambani made the list, reflecting cross-border interest in notable personalities.
The top searched people included:
- Abbas Attar
- Etel Adnan
- Arshad Nadeem
- Sana Javed
- Sajid Khan
- Shoaib Malik
- Hareem Shah
- Minahil Malik
- Zoya Nasir
- Mukesh Ambani
Reflections on the Nation’s Digital Journey
Farhan Qureshi, Google’s Country Director for Pakistan, summed up the trends by saying, “This year’s Year in Search reflects a nation deeply rooted in its traditions, while also embracing the opportunities the digital age presents. From cricket fields to kitchen counters, from the big screen to the search bar, Pakistanis are using Google to explore, connect, and grow.”
Google’s Year in Search 2024 offers a comprehensive snapshot of Pakistan’s evolving digital identity. The data underscores a society that remains passionate about cricket, enjoys a diverse food palette, engages actively with entertainment, and keeps a keen eye on technological advancements. These insights highlight how Pakistan continues to bridge its traditional roots with the innovations of the modern world, marking a unique journey of cultural and digital evolution.
