The government’s decision to ban imported mobile phones is perplexing. While the goal is to promote local manufacturing, this policy raises several critical issues that could harm both the economy and the average citizen.
First, the financial impact is significant. It is estimated that the government earned roughly Rs82 billion in revenue from phone imports in 2025. By banning these imports, the state loses a massive source of tax collection. Can the local industry realistically make up for this loss?
Second, Pakistan is currently preparing for the 5G launch. Most Pakistani citizens look for phones in the budget range of under Rs50,000. Currently, it is almost exclusively the imported models that offer 5G technology in this price bracket. If these are banned, the majority of the population will be unable to afford a 5G-ready device, leaving them behind in the digital age.
Third, there is a lack of accountability. Under the 2019 policy, brands were given incentives to set up assembly units with the promise that they would start manufacturing local parts within five years. However, we are still mostly assembling imported kits rather than “making” them. What guarantee do we have that the new 2026-2033 policy will actually lead to real local manufacturing?
Finally, this ban creates a monopoly. With no competition from high-quality imported phones and a global shortage of components like RAM, local brands can charge higher prices for lower-quality products. In the end, it is the common man who will suffer from higher costs and fewer choices.
The government should focus on making local units truly productive rather than simply cutting off the competition.
Muhammad Huzaifa Jadoon
Islamabad
