Pakistan is making significant strides in domestic tech production. Local facilities have now manufactured over 35 million mobile phones. Now, the Prime Minister (PM) plans to meet the CEO of Apple for the next big win. Officials shared these updates during a meeting of the National Assembly Standing Committee on Information Technology and Telecommunication. During the session, the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Engineering Development Board (EDB) briefed lawmakers on the current state of local manufacturing.
Pakistan Targets Apple as PM Plans to Meet CEO
Currently, 37 companies manufacture mobile phones inside Pakistan. According to the CEO of the EDB, almost all major global brands operate production units in the country today.
However, Apple remains the only major global player without a local footprint. Officials are actively working to change that reality. In fact, the Prime Minister will soon travel to the United States to meet Apple’s CEO directly to discuss bringing the tech giant to Pakistan.
Pushing the “Smartphone for All” Vision
Meanwhile, the committee focused on access, quality, and modern network standards. The Secretary of IT informed the committee that Pakistan now has 200 million mobile phone users.
The Committee Chairman praised the local assembly for keeping device prices low. However, he urged manufacturers to ramp up production volumes further. He stressed that Pakistan must embrace a clear “Smartphone for All” vision.
Furthermore, the Chairman highlighted the need for technological upgrades. He stated that Pakistan no longer needs 3G devices. Instead, local plants must prioritize affordable, high-quality 4G and 5G smartphones to meet modern connectivity demands.
Addressing Street Crime & Leadership Updates
In addition to technology standards, the Chairman pointed out pressing consumer challenges on the ground. He highlighted the severe impact of street crime in Karachi, noting that citizens lose their phones to snatching every six months and must repeatedly buy replacements. Because of this, reliable and cheap locally produced devices remain vital for ordinary citizens.
Finally, the meeting concluded on an administrative note. The Chairman formally congratulated the IT Secretary on securing a one-year extension to his tenure.
