The Ministry of Industries and Production on Monday announced the Mobile and Electronic Devices Manufacturing Policy 2026–33, stating that the new policy will ban the import of used mobile phones.
According to sources, the policy was presented at a high level meeting chaired by the Prime Minister’s Special Assistant on Industries and Production, Haroon Akhtar Khan. The meeting reviewed the policy’s objectives, implementation framework, and progress. Those present included Secretary Industries and Production Saif Anjum, EDB Chief Executive Officer Hammad Mansoor, and representatives of the Pakistan Mobile Phone Manufacturers Association.
A detailed briefing was given on the policy, including a comparison of the benefits of local assembling and manufacturing versus complete imports. Haroon Akhtar Khan said the main goal of the policy is to create jobs locally and strengthen Pakistan’s industrial base.
Under the policy, mandatory export targets have been declared ineffective, based on past experience in the auto sector. However, quality certification for exports has been made mandatory, though it will be encouraged through facilitation rather than force. The Engineering Development Board will be responsible for setting up local labs, defining penalties linked to performance targets, and specifying at least 40 components for smartphone SKD kits and 15 components for feature phones.
The policy recommends institutionalizing the customs valuation system, including both completely built units and locally manufactured mobile phones in the third schedule of sales tax to prevent under invoicing, and linking export targets with tax increment financing. It also proposes maintaining at least a 30 percent tariff gap between fully imported phones and SKD kits, with tax increment financing levies applied to both. E waste management was also described as a complex but important issue.
Haroon Akhtar Khan said that phased localization will be used to attract foreign investment in high tech manufacturing, with special focus on the local production of motherboards, PCBs, electronic parts, and display components. Referring to Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s vision, he said the government wants to turn Pakistan into an export hub for global brands so the country can join global value chains.
During the meeting, mobile manufacturers said that several global brands, including Samsung, Xiaomi, Oppo, Vivo, and Nokia, are considering investing in Pakistan under the new policy. Participants also stressed that growth in the mobile sector will help boost other electronic industries.
The government made it clear that the policy will be strictly enforced, and in case of violations, incentives will be withdrawn, fines will be imposed, and import licenses may be suspended.
