A Shift From Imports to Local Manufacturing
Pakistan has drafted a new Mobile and Electronics Device Manufacturing Policy for 2026-30 to reduce reliance on imported phones and electronics and turn the country into a regional production base. The policy has already been shared with the International Monetary Fund (IMF) as part of the government’s wider industrialisation agenda.
Under the plan, Pakistan wants at least half of all mobile phone components to be produced locally within the next five to eight years. This marks a major shift from the current model where most devices are assembled with imported parts and a large share of finished products is brought in from abroad.
Targets for Phones, Laptops and Other Devices
The policy does not stop at mobile phones. It also covers the local manufacturing of laptops, tablets and point-of-sale (POS) machines. For these categories, the government has set a target of 30% local production of components, signalling a broader push into electronics rather than focusing on handsets alone.
Overall, the government aims to cut production costs of mobile and electronic devices by around 5%. Lower production costs, combined with local component manufacturing, are expected to make Pakistani-branded and Pakistan-made devices more competitive at home and in export markets.
Export Ambitions and Revenue Goals
A central pillar of the 2026-30 policy is export growth. The government wants to increase exports of mobile and electronic devices to about $700 million over the policy period. This target is supported by incentives for local production, component manufacturing and value-added assembly.
At the same time, the state expects to generate roughly Rs148 billion in levies from the mobile and electronics manufacturing sector. If achieved, this would create a rare combination of higher export earnings, stronger local industry and increased fiscal revenue.
Building Skills, Jobs and a Wider Ecosystem
To support the expansion of the electronics sector, the policy includes a strong focus on human capital. The government plans to train around 50,000 skilled workers specifically for manufacturing, assembly and related technical roles. These jobs are expected to spread across factories, component suppliers and service providers.
Local production of components and finished devices will also help create and deepen ancillary industries such as packaging, logistics, testing and quality assurance services. Industry stakeholders believe that, if the policy is implemented consistently, Pakistan can position itself as a regional hub for mobile and electronics manufacturing rather than just a large consumer market.
What the 2026-30 Policy Could Mean for Pakistan
The five-year timeframe from 2026 to 2030 gives a clear roadmap with measurable targets for local content, exports and workforce development. The policy is also part of a broader effort to attract foreign investment into Pakistan’s manufacturing sector, especially from global electronics brands and regional players looking for new production bases.
For the economy, successful execution would mean more jobs, higher exports and reduced pressure on foreign exchange reserves due to lower imports. For consumers, a stronger local manufacturing base could eventually translate into more choice and better prices for smartphones, laptops and other devices.
Ultimately, the Mobile and Electronics Device Manufacturing Policy aims to move Pakistan up the value chain—from an import-dependent market to a country that designs, assembles and exports technology products at scale.
