Pakistan is rolling out the red carpet for the world’s biggest technology companies. The government is finalizing a bold new plan to invite industry giants like Apple and Samsung Electronics to set up full-scale production facilities within the country.
This major strategic shift aims to overhaul the local economy by creating thousands of jobs and bringing in much needed foreign cash. Officials believe this initiative will transform the nation from a simple consumer market into a regional manufacturing hub.
Unveiling the Mobile and Electronic Policy 2026–33
The government has drafted a comprehensive roadmap titled the Mobile and Electronic Devices Manufacturing Policy 2026–33. This framework was the central topic of a high level meeting at the Engineering Development Board (EDB). Special Assistant to the Prime Minister Haroon Akhtar Khan chaired the session to review the details.
Federal Secretary for Industries and Production Saif Anjum also attended the critical meeting. EDB Chief Executive Officer Hammad Mansoor joined them to discuss how to make Pakistan attractive to Silicon Valley and South Korean tech leaders.
The primary goal is clear and ambitious. The officials want to move beyond simple assembly of phones and towards actual manufacturing of high tech components. This deep integration promotes technology transfer which is vital for long term growth.
The policy is now set to be presented to Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif for his formal stamp of approval.
Once approved the government will launch targeted marketing campaigns to woo these global players. The plan is not just about phones but covers a wide range of electronic devices.
Here are the core pillars of the new policy:
- Job Creation: Opening factories requires skilled labor and engineers.
- Foreign Investment: Attracting dollars to stabilize the economy.
- Tech Transfer: Learning how to build modern chips and screens locally.
- Export Growth: Selling “Made in Pakistan” devices to the world.
Incentives Offered to Global Tech Titans
Attracting a company like Apple is incredibly difficult. The iPhone maker is famous for its strict quality standards and complex supply chains. To make this happen Pakistan is preparing a package of incentives that can compete with other manufacturing hubs like Vietnam and India.
Sources indicate that the government might offer tax holidays for a specific period to these new entrants. Reduced import duties on the machinery needed to build these factories are also on the table.
The cost of labor in Pakistan is significantly lower than in China. This is a key selling point that the officials plan to highlight during their negotiations. Lower production costs can help these tech giants maintain their profit margins while expanding their footprint.
Local manufacturing reduces the price of devices for Pakistani citizens.
Currently, consumers pay high prices due to import taxes on finished goods. If Apple starts making iPhones locally the price tag for domestic buyers could drop drastically. This would increase the user base of high end devices in the country.
The government is also looking at improving the ease of doing business. They want to ensure that companies like Samsung do not face red tape or bureaucratic delays when setting up their plants. Fast track approvals for land and utility connections are part of the proposed benefits.
Expanding the Local Manufacturing Footprint
Pakistan has already seen some success in the mobile assembly sector over the last few years. It is important to note that Samsung already has a presence in the country through a joint venture.
Lucky Motor Corporation partnered with Samsung to assemble Galaxy phones in Karachi. This venture proved that global standards can be met locally. Other Chinese brands like Xiaomi and Vivo have also established assembly units in partnership with local distributors like Air Link Communication.
However, the government wants to go bigger. They want to shift from Semi Knocked Down (SKD) assembly to Complete Knocked Down (CKD) manufacturing. This means making parts inside the country rather than just screwing together imported parts.
| Feature | Current Status (2025) | Policy Goal (2033) |
|---|---|---|
| Activity | Assembly of imported parts | Manufacturing of components |
| Brands | Samsung, Xiaomi, Vivo (Assembly) | Apple, Samsung (Full Production) |
| Focus | Domestic consumption | Global Export Hub |
| Tech Level | Low to Mid range skills | High tech engineering |
Bringing Apple into the fold would be a massive signal of trust to the international community.
It would encourage other component makers to set up shop in Pakistan. A single factory from a major player often creates a ripple effect. Suppliers of glass, batteries, and packaging follow the main manufacturer to save on shipping costs.
Economic Challenges and The Path Forward
The economic context behind this decision is crucial. Pakistan has faced severe economic headwinds including high inflation and a shortage of foreign currency reserves. The country spends billions of dollars every year importing electronics.
By making these goods at home the government saves precious foreign exchange. Furthermore, if they can export these devices it brings new dollars into the economy. This helps stabilize the rupee and creates a healthier balance of trade.
Haroon Akhtar Khan described the policy as a vital step for the future. He emphasized that strengthening the manufacturing base is the only way to ensure sustainable economic recovery.
However, there are hurdles to overcome. Consistent energy supply is a major concern for industrial units. Factories need 24/7 power to operate their assembly lines efficiently. The government will need to guarantee uninterrupted electricity to these special economic zones.
Political stability is another factor that global investors watch closely. Long term policies like the 2026–33 framework are designed to provide assurance that the rules will not change suddenly.
Security and infrastructure logistics also play a role. Moving delicate electronic components requires good roads and safe transport networks. The government plans to upgrade these facilities to meet international requirements.
The Engineering Development Board is working tirelessly to iron out these details. They are consulting with local stakeholders to ensure the policy helps domestic companies too. They do not want foreign giants to crush local players but rather to partner with them.
In the coming weeks the focus will be on the Prime Minister’s review. Industry experts remain optimistic that the policy will pass. They believe the potential rewards far outweigh the initial costs of the incentives.
The world is watching to see if Pakistan can pull this off. If successful it could place the country firmly on the global technology map.
