Pakistan is set to introduce a new Mobile and Electronic Device Manufacturing Policy covering the period 2026-33, which includes a proposed levy of up to 5 percent on the import of mobile phones and electronic devices. According to government estimates, this levy could generate $368 million during the policy period, funds that will be allocated to support the localisation of mobile phone manufacturing. The policy is designed to transition the country from basic assembly of devices to full-scale manufacturing, enabling local and international brands to expand production in Pakistan.
The policy, which has been finalised and is awaiting presentation to the prime minister, was discussed in a meeting chaired by Special Assistant to the Prime Minister (SAPM) Haroon Akhtar Khan. Attendees included Secretary Industries and Production Saif Anjum, CEO of Engineering Development Board (EDB) Hammad Mansoor, and representatives of mobile phone manufacturers. During the briefing, SAPM highlighted that the policy was developed after extensive consultations with all relevant stakeholders and covers mobile phones, laptops, and other electronic devices, making it a comprehensive and broad-based strategy to strengthen the country’s technology manufacturing sector.
Under the proposed framework, the policy defines phase-wise manufacturing targets and timelines, aiming to achieve 50 percent localisation in mobile phone production by 2033. It also sets a target of 70 percent e-waste recovery through organised systems, which is expected to reduce environmental impact while supporting sustainable growth in the sector. Additionally, the policy includes plans to train 50,000 skilled workers, including 15,000 specialised professionals, ensuring that human resource development matches the expansion of local production. SAPM emphasised that the shift from assembly to full-scale manufacturing is crucial for increasing domestic output, promoting exports, and fostering Pakistan’s long-term economic development.
Pakistan’s previous policy for mobile and electronic device assembly has already produced significant results. PTA issued 37 licences for local assembly, and production grew from 0.1 million units in 2019 to 30.1 million units in 2025. The domestic market now meets 93 percent of its demand, while imports declined from 16 million units in 2019 to 2.04 million units in 2025. In addition, Pakistan exported 230,000 mobile phones to the United Arab Emirates and Gulf Cooperation Council states. Mobile companies invested between $250 and $300 million in the sector, creating 50,000 to 60,000 direct and indirect jobs, demonstrating the growing importance of localised manufacturing in Pakistan’s technology ecosystem.
The new policy aims to build on these achievements by encouraging international brands to manufacture devices locally and empowering local brands to scale their production capabilities. By combining targeted import levies, localisation targets, e-waste management goals, and workforce development, the Mobile and Electronic Device Manufacturing Policy seeks to create a sustainable and competitive domestic electronics industry. The proposal is expected to be presented to the prime minister shortly, marking a significant step in Pakistan’s strategy to strengthen technology production, increase exports, and generate employment in the electronics sector.
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