Apple Set to Manufacture iPhones in Pakistan Under New Government Framework, Global tech giant Apple Inc. is reportedly planning to begin iPhone manufacturing operations in Pakistan under a newly proposed Mobile and Electronics Manufacturing Framework, in a major development for the country’s tech and industrial sectors.
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According to industry sources and government officials, Apple intends to initially repair and refurbish two- to three-year-old iPhones in Pakistan as part of an employment and skills training phase, similar to its rollout strategy in countries like Indonesia, Malaysia and India. Once the infrastructure and local expertise are established, Apple is expected to move into full scale iPhone manufacturing in the country.
Government Incentives & Export Targets
Under the new framework being finalised, the government has agreed to offer Apple discounted land rates and increase performance incentives to 8 percent to attract the company’s investment. The government expects that re-export of refurbished iPhones could fetch up to $100 million in the first year, significantly boosting Pakistan’s export revenues.
Officials also said the policy framework includes plans to attract broad investment in smartphones and electronics manufacturing, covering laptops, tablets, wearables and more — aiming to develop Pakistan into a regional export hub for tech products. Chinese firms are also expected to invest $557 million in mobile manufacturing, under memoranda of understanding signed during the Prime Minister’s visit to Beijing.
Building Local Supply Chains
Part of the initiative involves a localisation push where electronics manufacturers have committed to increasing the use of locally produced components from 12 percent to 35 percent in the first year, with a longer-term target of 50 percent, fostering domestic industry participation and jobs.
The framework also proposes an export levy of up to 6 percent on high-end mobile phones to generate funds for technology development and support local manufacturing efforts, although phones in the lower price bracket will be exempt.
Significance for Pakistan’s Industrial Growth
If realised, Apple’s entry into manufacturing in Pakistan would mark a major milestone for the country’s tech manufacturing sector, potentially reducing reliance on imports, creating high-skilled jobs, and helping integrate Pakistan into global electronics supply chains.
This move complements broader efforts by the government to revive local manufacturing, improve export performance and attract foreign direct investment into advanced technology industries.
