Pakistan recorded a decline in the number of locally assembled mobile phones during the financial year 2024–25, as per data released by PTA. A total of 28.28 million units were assembled in FY25, compared to 32.55 million units produced in the previous year, marking a 13 percent year-on-year decrease. The drop in assembly numbers has been attributed to a high base effect following an exceptional year in FY24, when changes in tax policy on handsets and strong pent-up demand drove unusually high sales.
Market behavior during FY25 showed a visible shift in consumer trends. One major factor was the extension of mobile phone replacement cycles among users. This trend was influenced by a combination of subdued enthusiasm over new model launches and the declining purchasing power of rural consumers. Together, these factors impacted the demand for newer devices, limiting the need for frequent upgrades and thereby reducing local assembly volumes.
Alongside local manufacturing, imports of mobile phones also fell during the period. A total of 1.73 million imported units entered the Pakistani market in FY25, down from 1.89 million units a year earlier, reflecting an 8 percent drop year-on-year. This suggests that the overall demand for mobile phones, both locally produced and imported, remained under pressure due to broader economic factors.
Despite the decline, Pakistan still managed to fulfill 94 percent of its total mobile phone demand through local assembly in 2025, maintaining strong domestic production capacity. The combined figure of both locally assembled and imported units brought the total mobile phone sales to 30 million in FY25.
Among the top-performing brands in local assembly during the first half of 2025, VGO Tel led with 1.63 million units, followed by Infinix at 1.50 million units. Other major contributors included Itel with 1.23 million units, Vivo with 1.20 million, and Xiaomi with 0.83 million units. Samsung followed with 0.76 million, Tecno with 0.67 million, G’Five with 0.64 million, Nokia with 0.58 million, and Q Mobile with 0.56 million units. These figures reflect a diversified market with both established global and regional players participating in local manufacturing.
Analysts expect mobile phone demand to improve in future quarters on account of a lower base effect from FY25 and projected stability in inflation. Market participants are also watching for more innovative handset launches and changes in consumer preferences that may influence sales volumes. With the government continuing to support local manufacturing policies, the sector remains a key component of Pakistan’s electronics and technology ecosystem.
