ISLAMABAD: The production of mobile phones by Pakistani manufacturers has surpassed the number of mobile phones imported by the country, the country’s telecom regulator said on Thursday, with the number of locally manufactured devices reaching 12.27 million during January-July 2021.
The number of mobile phones imported by the country was recorded at 8.29 million during this period, the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority said in a statement. The country has achieved this milestone within seven months of the introduction of the Mobile Device Manufacturing (MDM) authorization regime, which allows local and foreign companies to manufacture devices in Pakistan, PTA said.
“This trend reflects a positive uptake on PTA’s MDM authorization regulatory regime,” the regulator added, saying locally made mobile devices included 4.87 million 4G smartphones.
So far, according to the PTA, 26 companies, including Samsung, Nokia, Oppo, TECNO, Infinix, Vgotel and Q-mobile, have been authorized to manufacture mobile devices in Pakistan.
PTA attributed a favorable environment for mobile device manufacturing in Pakistan to the successful implementation of its Device Identification Registration and Blocking System (DIRBS).
In late 2017, the government introduced the system to combat the smuggling of mobile phones and regulate devices in its volatile market.
“It has also contributed positively to the mobile ecosystem of Pakistan by eliminating counterfeit device market, providing a level playing field for commercial entities,” the regulator said, pointing to growing trust among consumers.
Several local mobile manufacturers have surfaced in the Pakistani market since the introduction of the new policies. Previously, the country relied only on imports for its ever-growing demand for latest mobile devices, which would cost it hundreds of thousands of dollars in foreign exchange.
Pakistan’s local cellphone manufacturing surpasses imports by nearly 4.5 million devices — regulator
https://arab.news/c673r
Pakistan’s local cellphone manufacturing surpasses imports by nearly 4.5 million devices — regulator
- Says 26 companies, including Samsung, Nokia, Oppo, now authorized to manufacture mobile phones in Pakistan
- Attributes favorable environment for mobile manufacturing to new policies to combat smuggling and regulate devices
Pakistan calls for regional cooperation against climate-driven disasters after Sri Lanka cyclone
- Maritime affairs minister says Pakistani rescue teams are already on the ground supporting Sri Lanka’s recovery
- Junaid Anwar Chaudhry is on a two-day visit to Colombo to express Pakistan’s solidarity with Sri Lankan people
ISLAMABAD: Pakistan on Tuesday urged South Asian countries to strengthen cooperation against climate-driven disasters after a deadly cyclone battered Sri Lanka, saying the scale and frequency of extreme weather demanded coordinated regional action.
Cyclone Ditwah made landfall on the island nation on Nov. 28, triggering severe flooding and landslides that destroyed homes and infrastructure.
Sri Lankan authorities say the storm has killed more than 600 people, left hundreds missing and displaced over two million across dozens of districts, making it one of the country’s worst natural disasters in years.
“We deeply admire the quick actions taken by the Sri Lankan government and the courage shown by the affected communities,” Pakistan’s Maritime Affairs Minister Junaid Anwar Chaudhry, who is on a two-day visit to Colombo, said during a media briefing, according to a statement.
“As I speak to you, Pakistani teams and rescue personnel are on the ground helping to save lives and support relief operations.”
He said Pakistan had dispatched a humanitarian aid package on Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s directives and that its high commission and disaster-response authorities were coordinating closely with Sri Lankan officials to ensure timely delivery of supplies.
Chaudhry used the visit to call for expanded regional collaboration on early-warning systems, disaster management and maritime safety.
Reaffirming Islamabad’s solidarity, the minister added: “Pakistan stands with Sri Lanka as a reliable friend and partner today and always.”
He also invited Sri Lankan media representatives to visit Pakistan and engage with the Ministry of Maritime Affairs to strengthen people-to-people ties and deepen bilateral cooperation.
