Pakistan Imported Mobile Phones Worth Rs. 226 Billion in FY26 Guide. Pakistan’s mobile phone imports have surged sharply in FY26, raising questions about consumer demand, economic impact, and local manufacturing growth. In the first five months alone, imports crossed Rs. 226 billion, signaling a major shift in the telecom market landscape in 2025.
Pakistan Mobile Phone Imports Surge in FY26
Pakistan imported mobile phones worth $801.139 million (Rs. 226.133 billion) during July–November FY26, marking a 40%+ increase compared to the same period last year. This surge highlights rising smartphone adoption, higher consumer demand, and changing market dynamics.
Key Import Statistics (July–November FY26)
| Metric | FY26 (Jul–Nov) | FY25 (Jul–Nov) | Growth |
|---|---|---|---|
| Import Value (USD) | $801.139 million | $570.184 million | +40.5% |
| Import Value (PKR) | Rs. 226.133 billion | Rs. 158.518 billion | +42.65% |
Month-on-Month & Year-on-Year Import Trends
November 2025 Performance
- Month-on-Month Growth: +8.30%
- Import Value: $156.565 million (Nov 2025)
- October 2025: $144.563 million
Year-on-Year Decline
Despite monthly growth, November 2025 imports fell 4.81% YoY compared to $149.378 million in November 2024.
This indicates short-term volatility but a strong overall upward trend for FY26.
Why Are Mobile Phone Imports Increasing in Pakistan?
1. Rising Smartphone Penetration
According to Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA), nearly 70% of active devices are smartphones — pushing demand for imported mid-range and premium phones.
2. Consumer Shift to 4G & 5G-Ready Devices
Users are upgrading from 2G phones to feature-rich smartphones, especially due to:
- Faster internet
- Mobile banking & fintech apps
- E-commerce growth
3. Limited Local Production of High-End Phones
While local manufacturing is strong, flagship and premium smartphones are still largely imported.
Comparison with Previous Fiscal Years
Mobile Phone Imports Declined in FY25
- FY25 Imports: $1.494 billion
- FY24 Imports: $1.898 billion
- Decline: 21.31%
| Fiscal Year | Imports (USD) | Imports (PKR) | YoY Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| FY24 | $1.898 billion | Rs. 535.690 bn | — |
| FY25 | $1.494 billion | Rs. 417.351 bn | -22.09% |
FY25 decline was mainly due to:
- Import restrictions
- Currency depreciation
- Reduced consumer purchasing power
Telecom Imports Overview in Pakistan
Overall telecom imports in FY25 stood at $2.099 billion, showing an 11.30% decline from $2.366 billion in the previous year.
Entities Added (NLP):
- Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA)
- Ministry of Commerce Pakistan
- Federal Board of Revenue (FBR)
- Telecom sector Pakistan
Local Mobile Manufacturing: A Strong Counterbalance
Despite rising imports, local mobile manufacturing in Pakistan continues to grow rapidly.
Local Production Highlights (2025)
- 25.11 million devices manufactured/assembled (Jan–Oct 2025)
- Only 1.7 million phones imported commercially
- October 2025 alone:
- 2.33 million locally assembled
- 0.2 million imported
Breakdown of Locally Produced Phones
| Device Type | Units Produced |
|---|---|
| Smartphones | 13.2 million |
| 2G Phones | 11.9 million |
Imported vs Locally Manufactured Phones: Quick Comparison
| Factor | Imported Phones | Locally Manufactured Phones |
|---|---|---|
| Price | Higher | More affordable |
| Availability | Limited | Widely available |
| Premium Models | Yes | Limited |
| Economic Impact | Forex outflow | Job creation |
Economic Impact of Rs. 226 Billion Mobile Imports
Pros
- Improved consumer choice
- Access to latest technology
- Boost in telecom usage
Cons
- Pressure on foreign exchange reserves
- Trade deficit concerns
- Dependency on imports
Insight: Balanced growth between imports and local production is crucial for long-term sustainability.
2025 Outlook: What to Expect Next?
- Continued demand for smartphones
- Expansion of local assembly plants
- Possible incentives for local manufacturing
- Import policy adjustments based on forex stability
If government supports component-level manufacturing, Pakistan could significantly reduce mobile phone imports by 2026.
FAQs
How much did Pakistan spend on mobile phone imports in FY26?
Pakistan spent approximately Rs. 226 billion ($801 million) on mobile phone imports during the first five months of FY26.
Why are mobile phone imports increasing in Pakistan?
Rising smartphone adoption, limited local production of premium devices, and increased consumer demand are key reasons.
Is local mobile manufacturing growing in Pakistan?
Yes, over 25 million phones were locally manufactured or assembled in 2025, showing strong growth.
What percentage of mobile users use smartphones in Pakistan?
Around 70% of active mobile users are using smartphones, according to PTA data.
Conclusion
Pakistan’s Rs. 226 billion mobile phone imports in FY26 reflect a rapidly evolving telecom market driven by smartphone demand and digital adoption. While imports are rising, local manufacturing is equally strengthening, offering hope for economic balance.
