Pakistan Achieves Remarkable Milestone: Over 17 Million Mobile Phones Manufactured in First Half of 2024
The local manufacturing and assembling plants in Pakistan have achieved a significant milestone by producing an impressive 17.34 million mobile handsets during the first half of the calendar year 2024, spanning from January to June. This remarkable achievement is in stark contrast to the 0.84 million mobile phones that were imported commercially during the same period. This surge in local manufacturing highlights Pakistan’s growing capabilities in the mobile phone industry and its move towards self-reliance.
In June alone, official data revealed that the local manufacturing and assembling plants produced 4.26 million mobile handsets, compared to a mere 0.08 million units that were imported commercially. This monthly production figure underscores the capacity and efficiency of the local plants in meeting the country’s demand for mobile phones.
Breaking down the figures for the first five months of the year, from January to May 2024, the local manufacturing and assembling plants produced a total of 13.08 million mobile handsets. During this period, only 0.76 million handsets were imported commercially. This trend signifies a substantial shift towards local production, reducing dependency on imports and supporting the national economy.
Among the 17.34 million mobile phone handsets produced locally, 6.19 million were 2G handsets, while 11.15 million were smartphones. This distribution reflects the ongoing transition from basic mobile phones to more advanced smartphones, catering to the evolving needs and preferences of the Pakistani consumer market. The production of such a significant number of smartphones indicates the country’s readiness to embrace modern technology and digital advancements.
According to data from the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA), 61 percent of the mobile devices in use on the Pakistan network are smartphones, while 39 percent are 2G handsets. This statistic illustrates the growing penetration of smartphones in the market, driven by local manufacturing efforts and the increasing affordability of these devices. The shift towards smartphones is expected to continue, further boosting the digital economy and enabling more people to access online services and information.
In addition to local manufacturing, the country has also seen a substantial increase in mobile phone imports. During the fiscal year 2023-24, Pakistan imported mobile phones worth $1.898 billion, marking a significant growth of 233 percent compared to $570.071 million during the previous fiscal year of 2022-23. This surge in imports highlights the rising demand for mobile phones in Pakistan, driven by a growing population, increased connectivity, and the proliferation of digital services.
In terms of rupee value, Pakistan imported mobile phones worth Rs535.690 billion during the fiscal year 2023-24, registering an astounding growth of 291.45 percent compared to Rs136.847 billion during the fiscal year 2022-23. This increase in the rupee value of imports underscores the high demand for mobile phones and the willingness of consumers to invest in modern technology.
The data released by the Pakistan Bureau of Statistics (PBS) further elaborates on the trends in mobile phone imports. On a month-on-month (MoM) basis, mobile phone imports increased by 76.77 percent in June 2024, amounting to $278.574 million compared to $157.592 million in May 2024. This substantial month-on-month growth indicates a sharp rise in consumer demand and the continuous expansion of the mobile phone market in Pakistan.
Moreover, on a year-on-year (YoY) basis, mobile phone imports registered an extraordinary growth of 419.90 percent in June 2024 when compared to $53.582 million in June 2023. This year-on-year growth reflects the booming demand for mobile phones and the rapid adoption of new technology among Pakistani consumers.
The overall telecom imports into Pakistan stood at $2.366 billion during the fiscal year 2023-24, registering a growth of 147.36 percent compared to $956.696 million during the previous fiscal year of 2022-23. This increase in telecom imports encompasses a wide range of telecommunications equipment and devices, indicating a broader expansion of the telecom sector in Pakistan.
On a year-on-year basis, the overall telecom imports registered a growth of 232 percent, amounting to $320.094 million in June 2024 compared to $96.415 million in June 2023. This significant year-on-year growth showcases the robust demand for telecom equipment and the continuous development of the telecom infrastructure in the country. Additionally, on a month-on-month basis, the overall telecom imports registered a growth of 51.28 percent in June 2024 compared to $211.586 million in May 2024. This monthly growth highlights the dynamic nature of the telecom market and the constant need for advanced equipment to support the expanding network and services.
The substantial increase in both local manufacturing and imports of mobile phones and telecom equipment reflects the vibrant and rapidly growing telecommunications sector in Pakistan. The country’s focus on enhancing local manufacturing capabilities has not only reduced dependency on imports but also created job opportunities and stimulated economic growth. The government’s supportive policies and incentives for the local manufacturing sector have played a crucial role in achieving these milestones.
Farhan S. Qureshi, Google Pakistan’s country director, commented on these developments, stating: “Our latest AI Academy program is a testament to Google’s commitment to fostering the growth of AI across the Asia-Pacific. With Pakistan being an important market, we hope that local startups will use this opportunity to supercharge their AI solutions and further strengthen the AI ecosystem in APAC.”
Looking ahead, Pakistan’s telecommunications sector is poised for further growth and innovation. The increasing adoption of smartphones, coupled with the expansion of high-speed internet services and digital platforms, is expected to drive the demand for advanced mobile devices and telecom equipment. The government’s continued support for local manufacturing and favorable regulatory environment will be key to sustaining this growth trajectory.
In conclusion, the first half of 2024 has witnessed a remarkable performance by Pakistan’s mobile phone manufacturing and assembling plants, producing over 17 million handsets. This achievement, along with the significant growth in imports, underscores the dynamic nature of the telecommunications sector and its critical role in driving the country’s digital transformation. With ongoing advancements and strategic investments, Pakistan is well-positioned to become a major player in the global telecommunications industry.
