Pakistan’s mobile phone imports have surged significantly in the early part of the fiscal year 2025-26.
Official data shows a notable increase in the value of imported handsets during the first seven months.
Surge in Import Value
Imports reached $1.139 billion from July to January FY2025-26. This marks a 31.4% rise compared to $867.685 million in the same period last year. In Pakistani rupees, the figure stood at Rs 321.137 billion. It reflects a 33.07% growth over Rs 241.330 billion previously.
January alone saw imports of $179.380 million. This was up 12.60% from December 2025 and 33.62% year-on-year. The trend reverses last year’s decline.
In FY2024-25, mobile imports fell 21.31% to $1.494 billion overall.
Factors and Context
Local assembly remains strong despite the import rise. In 2025, Pakistan assembled 30.21 million handsets, far outpacing commercial imports of 2.37 million units.
Smartphones dominate with 71% of devices. The rest are basic 2G phones. Government moves include a draft ‘Mobile and Electronics Policy 2026-33’. A ban on used mobile imports is also in place.
Higher consumer demand likely drives the surge.
Economic recovery and relaxed curbs may contribute to increased imports. This growth highlights Pakistan’s growing mobile market. It balances local production efforts with import needs.