Web Desk — October 29, 2025
Islamabad: Pakistan’s mobile phone imports have skyrocketed, reaching a staggering $500.011 million in the first quarter (July-September 2025) of the fiscal year 2025-26, marking a 103% year-on-year increase from $246.185 million in the same period last year.
Official data shows imports in Pakistani rupees hit Rs 141.415 billion, up 106% from Rs 68.632 billion a year ago. September alone saw $199.27 million in imports—a 28.58% jump from August’s $155.13 million and a 94.48% rise from September 2024’s $102.6 million.
The trend started strong in July with $145.3 million (up 125% YoY) and August at $155.13 million, reflecting sustained momentum. Experts attribute the boom to economic recovery, rising demand for new smartphone models, and a shift toward advanced devices, with 70% of Pakistan’s 190 million+ mobile connections now on smartphones.
While imports surged, local manufacturing remains robust: Pakistan assembled 22.78 million handsets in the first nine months of 2025 (52% smartphones, 48% 2G), including a 55% monthly jump to 3.01 million in September. This covers 94% of demand, with commercial imports at just 1.03 million units in the first seven months.
Economists warn the import spike could strain foreign exchange reserves and widen the trade deficit, urging the government to boost local production of components and impose tariff differentials to reduce reliance on imports. Despite FY2024-25 seeing a 21% drop in annual imports to $1.494 billion, the Q1 rebound signals tech adoption but highlights the need for balanced policies.
