A high-level meeting on Pakistan’s Mobile and Electronics Device Manufacturing Policy was convened to review progress, align stakeholders, and outline implementation strategies. The session was chaired by Special Assistant to Prime Minister Haroon Akhtar Khan and attended by Secretary Industries and Production Saif Anjum, CEO Engineering Development Board Hammad Mansoor, and representatives of leading mobile phone manufacturers. During the meeting, a detailed presentation provided an overview of the policy framework, including a comparative analysis of local assembly versus complete imports and its implications for the domestic industry.
Haroon Akhtar Khan highlighted that the primary goal of the policy is to generate local employment while strengthening Pakistan’s industrial base. He noted that the policy will adopt a phased localization approach to encourage foreign investment in high-tech manufacturing sectors, ensuring long-term industrial sustainability. A particular focus will be placed on the local production of critical components such as motherboards, PCBs, electronic parts, and display components. The Special Assistant emphasized that Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif envisions Pakistan as a manufacturing and export hub for global brands, integrating the country into international value chains and boosting industrial competitiveness.
Representatives from mobile manufacturing companies discussed potential investment opportunities under the new policy, mentioning leading global brands including Samsung, Xiaomi, Oppo, Vivo, and Nokia as key candidates for establishing production in Pakistan. Industry representatives also noted that growth in the mobile sector is expected to have a positive spillover effect on other electronics industries, supporting broader industrial development. Manufacturers highlighted the need for quality certification to support exports and suggested the establishment of government-backed testing and certification laboratories to ensure compliance with international standards.
The meeting also addressed compliance mechanisms within the policy. Haroon Akhtar Khan stated that incentives would be strictly tied to adherence to localization targets, operational obligations, and reporting requirements. In cases of non-compliance, penalties, including suspension of import licenses and financial sanctions, will be enforced. He directed that public and private sectors must collaborate closely to implement the policy effectively, achieve export-led growth, and strengthen Pakistan’s manufacturing ecosystem. The discussion reflected a coordinated effort to position the country as a competitive player in the global electronics and mobile device market while encouraging domestic investment and industrial modernization.
Follow the SPIN IDG WhatsApp Channel for updates across the Smart Pakistan Insights Network covering all of Pakistan’s technology ecosystem.
