Pakistan’s mobile phone manufacturing industry has grown significantly in recent years with local production meeting 95% of the country’s demand in 2024. This is a major shift from relying on imports, which was the norm in previous years. Mobile technology is driving digital change in the country. The government and private sector are using digital platforms to improve services and connect with people. Currently, mobile broadband covers 80% of the population and 97% of internet users rely on mobile networks. It also supports the use of smart technology (IoT) in areas like farming, clean energy, and water solutions. The government plans to launch 5G by summer. Mobile technology boosts economic growth by contributing to GDP, increasing productivity and creating jobs. Pakistan’s telecom market is one of the fastest-growing with a rising demand for mobile phones. To ensure steady growth, the government has introduced a mobile policy to support local manufacturing and assembly of devices.

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Major Mobile Phone Manufacturers in Pakistan

Several international and local companies have established mobile phone manufacturing and assembly plants in Pakistan. Some of the key players include:

• Infinix, Tecno and Itel Transsion Holdings have set up local manufacturing units producing budget-friendly smartphones.
• Vivo is a Chinese brand that has invested in Pakistan’s manufacturing sector, producing smartphones for the domestic market.
• Samsung also partnered with Lucky Motor Corporation and began local assembly of its devices in 2021, making Pakistan a part of its global supply chain.
• Oppo and Realme brands have also established local facilities to serve the growing demand.

Local manufacturers such as Airlink and QMobile have also been contributing to the industry by assembling and distributing mobile devices across Pakistan. These all companies have not only focused on assembling devices but have also started producing components locally such as batteries, chargers, and packaging materials. This shift toward localized production has reduced dependency on imports and strengthened the country’s manufacturing ecosystem.

Government Policies and Incentives for Local Manufacturing

China is the global hub of handsets manufacturing since 2010, having exports of over USD 150 billion per year as per data provided by Pakistan Telecommunication Authority. In recent years, it has been witnessed that mobile handset production is moving out of China due to increasing factor (labor) costs in China as well as trade tensions with the USA. Today, the Pakistani government has played an important role in promoting local mobile phone production. The introduction of the Mobile Device Manufacturing Policy (MDMP) 2020 has been a game-changer, encouraging foreign and local investors to establish manufacturing plants within the country. Under this policy, tax incentives and duty exemptions on raw materials and components have made local production more feasible. Plus, the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) has introduced regulations to curb the import of smuggled mobile phones and promote locally assembled devices. The Device Identification Registration and Blocking System (DIRBS) has further ensured that only legally imported and locally manufactured phones are used in the country.

The Shift from Imports to Local Production

Pakistan’s mobile phone industry made a big achievement by producing 22.59 million mobile devices in the first nine months of 2024. Out of these, 13.86 million were smartphones, and 8.73 million were basic 2G phones, showing a shift towards smartphones. A report by the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) revealed that only 1.1 million mobile phones were imported during this period, proving the country’s growing ability to manufacture locally. Infinix led the market, producing 2.79 million units in 2024. Pakistan now manufactures and assembles all mobile brands except iPhone.

Impact of Local Manufacturing on the Economy

The establishment of mobile phone manufacturing plants has had a profound impact on Pakistan’s economy. The industry has created thousands of direct and indirect jobs, ranging from assembly line workers to engineers and technicians. Moreover, the growth of this sector has spurred the development of ancillary industries such as packaging, logistics and retail, further contributing to economic growth. The localization of mobile phone production has also helped reduce the country’s trade deficit by decreasing the need for imported devices. Also, the availability of affordable smartphones has increased digital inclusion, enabling more people to access the internet and participate in the digital economy.

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Employment Opportunities in the Mobile Phone Industry

The mobile phone industry is one of the fastest-growing sectors globally, and its expansion has created a wide range of employment opportunities. In Pakistan, the establishment of mobile phone manufacturing plants and the growth of related industries have opened up numerous job prospects for people with varying skill levels and educational backgrounds.With an expanding consumer market and rising smartphone penetration, Pakistan is emerging as a competitive player in mobile phone assembly and manufacturing. Companies like Infinix, Tecno, Vivo, Samsung, Oppo, and Xiaomi have set up manufacturing plants in the country, boosting local production and employment.

The production of mobile phone components such as batteries, chargers, and packaging materials creates jobs in factories that specialize in these products. The transportation and distribution of raw materials and finished products require a workforce in logistics, warehousing, and transportation services, further strengthening Pakistan’s mobile industry.