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
Islamabad reviews preparations for 2026 OIC ministerial conference on women
- The conference, held every three to four years, brings together OIC ministers to discuss progress on women’s rights
- Pakistan’s foreign minister directs authorities finalize arrangements, priorities in coordination with OIC Secretariat
ISLAMABAD: Pakistani Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar on Friday presided over a meeting to review progress regarding the 9th OIC Ministerial Conference on Women, scheduled to be held in Islamabad in July, the Pakistani foreign ministry said.
The conference, held approximately every three to four years, brings together ministers from OIC member states to review progress on women’s rights, share national policies and adopt new frameworks.
This year’s conference is slated to be held in the Pakistani capital of Islamabad on July 12-13, according to a schedule of 2026 meetings shared on the OIC website.
“The meeting evaluated progress and emphasized timely coordination to ensure a successful event,” the ministry said in a statement on Friday.
“FM directed all relevant ministries and stakeholders to finalize logistical arrangements and thematic priorities in close collaboration with the OIC Secretariat.”
Previous ministerial meetings have focused on themes such as women’s economic empowerment, combating gender-based violence, and improving access to education and health care.
The exact agenda for the 2026 meeting has yet to be announced.
The previous OIC ministerial conference on women was held in Cairo in 2021 and focused on women’s empowerment, protection frameworks, and socio-economic participation.
