Pakistan’s local cellphone manufacturing surpasses imports by nearly 4.5 million devices — regulator 

People wearing facemask buy mobile phones at a shop in a market in Rawalpindi, Pakistan, on June 1, 2020. (AFP/File)
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Updated 26 August 2021
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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

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 Airports Authority reports ‘historic’ twin-engine aircraft landing in Lahore

Updated 13 December 2025
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Pakistan Airports Authority reports ‘historic’ twin-engine aircraft landing in Lahore

  • Twin-engine aircraft are usually larger, heavier and require better airport infrastructure, navigation systems to land
  • Pakistan Airports Authority says landing reflects its commitment to enhance aviation sector, strengthen infrastructure

ISLAMABAD: The Pakistan Airports Authority (PAA) announced on Saturday that the New General Aviation Aerodrome achieved a significant milestone when it handled the landing of a twin-engine aircraft. 

A twin-engine aircraft has two engines that provide it redundancy and increased performance compared to single-engine counterparts. These aircraft range from small twin-engine propeller planes to large commercial jetliners. The presence of multiple engines enhances safety by allowing the aircraft to continue flying in the event of an engine failure.

However, twin-engine aircraft are usually larger, heavier and more complex than single-engine planes. They require advanced airport infrastructure such as better runways, navigation systems and air traffic coordination. 

“The New General Aviation Aerodrome, Lahore achieved another significant operational milestone today with the successful landing of a twin-engine aircraft, following the recent arrival of a single-engine aircraft,” the PAA said in a statement. 

It said the flight was also boarded by Air Vice Marshal Zeeshan Saeed, the director general of the PAA. The move reflected “strong institutional confidence” in the aerodrome’s safety standards, operational capability, and overall readiness, it added. 

“The landing was conducted with exceptional precision and professionalism, demonstrating the aerodrome’s robust operational framework, technical preparedness, and effective airside coordination in accordance with contemporary aviation requirements,” the PAA said. 

It said the landing represented a “major advancement” in Pakistan’s general aviation sector and underscores the PAA’s commitment to enhancing regional aviation capacity, strengthening infrastructure and promoting excellence in aviation development.