Pakistan: The Next Electronics Manufacturing Hub?

Soaring demand for consumer electronics and low labor costs are attracting major global smartphone manufacturers like Samsung to Pakistan. In 2021, local manufacturers produced 25 million handsets, up a whopping 88% increase from 13 million produced in 2020. A key factor credited for this rapid production ramp-up is the new Mobile Device Manufacturing Policy announced and implemented by former Prime Minister Imran Khan's government in 2020. It imposes high tariffs on the import of mobile phone sets and offers tax rebates for local manufacturing. The policy set a 49% localization target by June 2023, including 10% localization of components on the motherboard and 10% localization of batteries.  Pakistan is forecast to be the world's 7th largest consumer market by 2030. The key to attracting more manufacturing in Pakistan lies in continuation of pro-investment policies and a measure of political stability. 

Pakistan Going From Imports to Exports of Mobile Handsets. Source: ...

The local manufacturing plants have assembled 14.08 million mobile phone handsets in the first six months (January-June) of 2022, while imports declined to 1.14 million handsets, according to the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA). Implementation of Device Identification Registration and Blocking System (DIRBS) and conducive government policies including the Mobile Device Manufacturing Policy 2020 have created a favorable environment for mobile device manufacturing in Pakistan.

Pakistan Mobile Phone Market. Source: PIDE

In addition to Samsung, a number of Chinese mobile handset manufacturers are investing in Pakistan to ramp up local production. Itel has manufactured 3.91 million mobile devices followed by VGO Tel's 2.97 million, Infinix 2.65 million, Vivo 2.45 million, Techno 1.87 million, QQMEE 0.86 million and Oppo 0.67 million. After the export of the first lot of 4G smartphones to the UAE in 2022, Pakistan has now set $1 billion target for mobile phone exports for the current fiscal year. 

Pakistan Telecom Indicators. Source: PTA

Pakistan wants to emulate Vietnam which has emerged as one of the leading countries in the assembly and export of smartphones and other consumer electronics devices in the past decade. Apple has recently moved part of its iPad manufacturing to Vietnam from China, where Covid lockdowns have disrupted supply chains.  TRT World has recently quoted Quentin D’Silva, the head of Lucky's smartphone division in Pakistan, as saying, “It’s only in the last five to seven years that the smartphone business has mushroomed in developing countries like ours". 

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Comment by Riaz Haq on August 3, 2025 at 10:23am

Husain Haqqani
@husainhaqqani
Pakistan’s Nishat Group has earmarked $100 million to build electric-powered vehicles in partnership with one of China’s largest car exporters, Chery Automobile Co.
Local car assembling starts in October, & manufacturing will follow.
@business
reports.

https://x.com/husainhaqqani/status/1951209832200958217

------------
Faseeh Mangi
@FaseehMangi
Pakistani tycoon Mian Mansha is setting up a factory to build EV cars with one of China’s largest car exporters, Chery Automobile

The conglomerate has earmarked about $100 million

They plans to debut five cars today and start local assembling in Oct.

https://x.com/FaseehMangi/status/1951189257227223537

-------

Nishat, Chery launch Omoda, Jaecoo

https://www.dawn.com/news/1928185/nishat-chery-launch-omoda-jaecoo

LAHORE: One of Pak­istan’s leading business conglomerates, Nishat Group, has partnered with Chery International — China’s largest automobile exporter — to launch its global brands, Omoda and Jaecoo, in the local market. The high-profile unveiling event was held on Friday.

The group announced plans to establish a car manufacturing facility near Faisalabad, with local assembly of electric vehicles (EVs) expected to commence in November. An investment of $100 million will be made through its subsidiary, Nexgen Auto, to support EV manufacturing and marketing operations in Pakistan.

In a significant industry first, five car models were unveiled simultaneously — more than typically seen at automotive laun­ches. The line-up included two long-range battery electric vehicles (E5 and J6), two plug-in hybrids (J7 and C7), and a hybrid vehicle (J5). The event was attended by a broad spectrum of participants, including political figures, environmental advocates, automotive influencers, and car enthusiasts.

Speaking at the event, Nishat Group Chairman Mian Mohammad Mansha welcomed the government’s focus on electric mobility, calling it a timely move to address climate and economic challenges. He said the group had chosen to partner with Chery International due to its commitment to environmental sustainability.

“The introduction of electric vehicles will help combat pollution and significantly reduce the country’s oil import bill,” he said. He added that his group’s existing automotive venture, Hyundai, has already sold over 50,000 units. Mr Mansha also announced plans to offer bank financing for electric cars through MCB Bank, another entity under the Nishat umbrella.

Mr Qi Joe, President of Chery International South Asia, expressed confidence in the partnership, stating that the collaboration would help position Omoda and Jaecoo among Pakistan’s top car brands.

In a statement, the company said the launch highlighted Nishat Group’s commitment to innovation and excellence. “The unveiling of a future-ready line-up, tailored to the evolving needs of Pakistani consumers, reflects Nishat Group’s strategic vision for the country’s automotive industry,” it noted.

The event marks a milestone for Nexgen Auto in its goal to redefine mobility in Pakistan by introducing cutting-edge technology, sustainable design, and intelligent performance. With the entry of Omoda and Jaecoo, the company aims to bring global innovation and a modern driving experience to local roads, setting a new industry benchmark.

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