In a significant milestone, local mobile manufacturing in Pakistan experienced remarkable growth during the first nine months of 2024, producing an impressive 22.59 million devices. According to recent data, 13.86 million of these were smartphones, while 8.73 million were 2G feature phones. This trend underscores a noticeable shift towards smartphones across the nation, marking a key step in Pakistan’s digital transformation as consumer preferences increasingly favor smartphones over basic feature phones.
Local Mobile Manufacturing in Pakistan Surge as Smartphone Demand Grows
The Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) reported a sharp decline in mobile imports, with only 1.1 million devices imported commercially in the same period. This highlights the growing reliance on local manufacturing and a significant reduction in import dependency. Among local manufacturers, Infinix has emerged as the leading brand, producing 2.79 million units in 2024.
The surge in mobile production trends illustrates Pakistan’s ongoing recovery from previous economic challenges. The decline in manufacturing during 2022 and 2023 followed the central bank’s currency control measures and interest rate hikes aimed at stabilizing the economy. However, recent cuts in interest rates by the State Bank of Pakistan have provided relief, enabling manufacturers to scale up production to meet rising consumer demand.
The smartphone adoption rate in Pakistan is steadily increasing, with smartphones now accounting for 64% of devices in use, up from 59% in 2023. This growth signifies the gradual decline of 2G feature phones, which now make up just 36% of the market, down from 41% last year. This shift aligns with broader digital transformation goals as Pakistan seeks to expand internet access and mobile connectivity nationwide.
The local mobile manufacturing industry is poised for further growth. The demand for affordable smartphones is expected to play a vital role in advancing digital inclusion, especially as internet-based services proliferate and more users rely on mobile connectivity. The ongoing rise in local manufacturing is a promising development, positioning Pakistan as a key player in the mobile device market.
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