Imported Mobile Phones Worth Rs. 226 Billion in First Five Months of FY26. Pakistan’s mobile phone imports saw a sharp rise in the first five months of the current fiscal year, highlighting strong consumer demand despite economic pressures. Official data shows that the country imported mobile phones worth Rs. 226.13 billion between July and November FY26, reflecting a significant year-on-year increase.
This surge comes at a time when the telecom sector is gradually stabilizing, while local mobile manufacturing continues to expand its footprint across the country.
Mobile Phone Imports Jump Over 40 Percent in FY26
According to official figures, Pakistan’s mobile phone imports reached $801.139 million during the first five months of FY26. This marks an increase of more than 40 percent compared to the same period last year.
During July to November FY25, mobile phone imports stood at $570.184 million. In rupee terms, the value rose from Rs. 158.52 billion last year to Rs. 226.13 billion in FY26, showing a 42.65 percent increase.
The rise reflects improving supply chains, steady consumer demand for smartphones, and gradual recovery in import activity after a slowdown in the previous fiscal year.
Month-on-Month and Year-on-Year Import Trends
On a month-on-month basis, mobile phone imports increased by 8.30 percent in November 2025. Imports reached $156.565 million, compared to $144.563 million in October.
However, year-on-year data tells a slightly different story. Imports in November 2025 declined by 4.81 percent compared to $149.378 million recorded in November 2024. This suggests short-term fluctuations despite the overall upward trend during FY26.
Imports Had Declined in the Previous Fiscal Year
The recent growth comes after a noticeable decline in mobile phone imports during FY25. Pakistan imported mobile phones worth $1.494 billion in FY25, which was 21.31 percent lower than $1.898 billion in FY24.
In rupee terms, imports dropped to Rs. 417.35 billion in FY25, compared to Rs. 535.69 billion in FY24. This decline was largely driven by currency depreciation, import restrictions, and reduced consumer purchasing power.
Overall Telecom Imports Still Under Pressure
Despite the recovery in mobile phone imports, overall telecom imports remained under pressure. Total telecom imports during FY25 were recorded at $2.099 billion, showing a negative growth of 11.30 percent compared to $2.366 billion in the previous year.
This indicates that while mobile phones are gaining momentum, other telecom equipment segments are still facing challenges.
Local Mobile Manufacturing Continues to Perform Strongly
Alongside rising imports, local mobile phone manufacturing and assembling showed strong growth. During the first ten months of calendar year 2025, local plants manufactured or assembled 25.11 million mobile handsets.
In comparison, only 1.7 million phones were imported commercially during the same period, highlighting Pakistan’s growing reliance on local production.
In October 2025 alone, local factories produced or assembled 2.33 million mobile phones, while imports for that month stood at just 0.2 million units.
Smartphones Dominate Local Production
Out of the total locally produced devices, 13.2 million were smartphones, while 11.9 million were 2G phones. This shows a clear shift toward smartphone adoption, even as basic phones remain relevant for certain user segments.
According to data from the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority, nearly 70 percent of mobile devices currently active on Pakistan’s network are smartphones. The remaining 30 percent are 2G phones.
What This Means for Pakistan’s Mobile Market
The sharp increase in mobile phone imports during FY26 suggests renewed consumer interest, especially in smartphones. At the same time, strong local manufacturing indicates progress toward reducing reliance on imports.
If current trends continue, Pakistan could see a more balanced mobile market, where imports support demand for high-end devices while local plants cater to mass-market needs.
FAQs
Why did mobile phone imports rise in FY26?
Imports increased due to strong consumer demand, improved supply chains, and easing of some import constraints.
How much did Pakistan spend on mobile phone imports in FY26 so far?
Pakistan spent Rs. 226.13 billion on mobile phone imports during the first five months of FY26.
Are locally manufactured phones replacing imports?
Local production is growing fast, but imports are still needed for certain smartphone categories.
What percentage of users in Pakistan use smartphones?
Around 70 percent of active mobile users use smartphones, according to official data.
Did mobile imports fall last year?
Yes, imports declined in FY25 due to economic challenges and import restrictions.
Conclusion
Pakistan mobile phone imports rebounded strongly in the first five months of FY26, reaching Rs. 226 billion and marking a clear recovery from last year’s slowdown. While month-to-month fluctuations remain, the overall trend points toward growing demand for mobile devices.
At the same time, local manufacturing continues to strengthen, producing millions of handsets and supporting the country’s shift toward smartphones. Together, these trends signal a more resilient and evolving mobile phone market in Pakistan.
