Pakistan’s mobile phone imports recorded a notable decline during the first two months of the current fiscal year. Specifically, imports dropped by 8.85%. The figures fell to $274.129 million from $300.741 million during the corresponding period last year. The Pakistan Bureau of Statistics (PBS) officially released these latest numbers.
Furthermore, imports decreased in local currency. During July and August 2026, mobile phone imports dropped by 10.53% to Rs. 76.267 billion. In contrast, this figure stood at Rs. 85.245 billion during the exact same period in 2025.
Monthly Drops in Mobile Phone Imports
On a year-on-year basis, August 2026 also saw a significant drop. Mobile phone imports fell by 13.82%. They dropped to $133.695 million from $155.129 million in August 2025.
Additionally, month-on-month data reveals a downward trend. Imports of mobile phones declined by 4.80% in August 2026. This compares directly to the $140.434 million recorded in July 2026.
| Metric | 2026 Data | 2025 Data | Change |
| July-August (USD) | $274.129 million | $300.741 million | -8.85% |
| July-August (PKR) | Rs. 76.267 billion | Rs. 85.245 billion | -10.53% |
| August (YoY) | $133.695 million | $155.129 million | -13.82% |
| August (MoM) | $133.695 million | $140.434 million (July) | -4.80% |
Telecom Equipment Bucks the Trend
Conversely, Pakistan maintained a strong demand for telecom infrastructure. During the same July-August timeframe, telecom equipment imports increased by 8.95%. These imports reached $432.044 million compared to $395.536 million last year.
Moreover, in rupee terms, telecom equipment imports grew by 6.95%. They rose to Rs. 120.211 billion in the first two months of the current fiscal year. Last year, they stood at Rs. 112.398 billion.
Telecom operators continue to invest heavily in the country’s infrastructure. Consequently, this growth supports network expansion. It also fuels preparations for the rollout of next-generation mobile services.
Recent Monthly Infrastructure Dips
However, recent monthly figures for equipment show a slight dip. On a year-on-year basis, telecom equipment imports dropped 3.42%. They fell to $197.269 million in August 2026 from $204.263 million in August 2025.
Furthermore, month-on-month equipment imports fell 15.98% from July 2026, which originally recorded $234.775 million.
| Metric | 2026 Data | 2025 Data | Change |
| July-August (USD) | $432.044 million | $395.536 million | +8.95% |
| July-August (PKR) | Rs. 120.211 billion | Rs. 112.398 billion | +6.95% |
| August (YoY) | $197.269 million | $204.263 million | -3.42% |
| August (MoM) | $197.269 million | $234.775 million (July) | -15.98% |
Ultimately, these contrasting trends highlight a clear shift in Pakistan’s telecom sector. Infrastructure and network equipment continue to generate significant import demand. Meanwhile, consumer handset imports remain comparatively subdued.
