EDB unveils draft of ‘Mobile and Electronics Policy 2026-33’

ISLAMABAD: The Engineering Development Board (EDB) on Tuesday unveiled the draft of the Mobile and Electronics Policy 2026-33, projecting that the re-export of refurbished mobile phones will generate annual revenues between $300 million and $400 million.

This was announced by EDB’s CEO Hammad Mansoor, during a briefing Haroon Akhtar, the special assistant to the prime minister on industries and production.

Mansoor highlighted that the policy aims to bolster the country’s position in the global electronics market and promote industrial modernization. The proposed policy includes the establishment of a dedicated mobile and electronics devices cell within the EDB to ensure effective coordination and implementation.

This initiative reflects the government’s broader goal of export-led growth and enhancing Pakistan’s competitiveness in the global electronics value chain.

Akhtar expressed optimism about the policy’s potential, stating that Pakistan would formally begin large-scale local manufacturing of mobile phones and electronic devices once the policy is approved.

He termed the Mobile and Electronics Policy 2026-33 as a “milestone initiative” for Pakistan’s industrial sector, emphasizing its role in strengthening the country’s manufacturing base and significantly boosting exports.

The meeting, which included Federal Secretary for Industries and Production SaifAnjum and senior EDB officials, involved in-depth discussions on the policy framework, which is now ready to be presented to the prime minister for approval.

Akhtar further revealed that global technology giants, including Apple Inc. and Samsung Electronics, would be invited to set up manufacturing plants in Pakistan as part of the strategy to enhance the country’s electronics industry.

The policy is also expected to create employment opportunities, facilitate technology transfer, and attract foreign investment.

Mansoor also reiterated that the projected revenue from the re-export of refurbished mobile phones aligns with the government’s aim to develop Pakistan into a regional hub for mobile and electronics manufacturing.

Copyright Business Recorder, 2026