ISLAMABAD – The import of mobile phones in Pakistan has reached a staggering Rs55 billion during the first seven months of the current fiscal year, despite the government’s concerted efforts to control the import bill.
Data released by the Pakistan Bureau of Statistics (PBS) reveals a notable increase from Rs48.71 billion recorded in the corresponding period of the last fiscal year, representing a surge of 13.13 percent.
However, it’s crucial to note that this rise can be primarily attributed to the significant depreciation of the Pakistani Rupee against the US Dollar. In dollar terms, the volume of mobile phone imports actually witnessed a decline of 7.11 percent, amounting to $423.82 million compared to $456.52 million in the corresponding period of the last fiscal year.
Industry experts attribute the decline in the import of mobile phones to a new registration system introduced by the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA). The PTA implemented measures to enhance security and control the influx of unregistered devices into the country. As part of these measures, the PTA initiated the blocking of all unregistered SIM/IMEI by January 15, 2019, mandating that any mobile phone entering Pakistani territory must undergo proper registration.
The regulatory changes and stringent measures implemented by the PTA aimed to address security concerns related to unregistered devices, curb illegal practices, and ensure that all mobile phones within the country are accounted for. This move aligns with broader government initiatives to enhance security measures and promote transparency in various sectors.
While the depreciating value of the Pakistani Rupee against the US Dollar may have contributed to the increase in the import bill in local currency terms, the decline in dollar value indicates a potential impact of the regulatory measures on the volume of mobile phone imports.
The telecommunications industry and consumers are navigating through these changes, adapting to the new registration requirements set by the PTA. The measures not only serve security objectives but also contribute to the formalization of the mobile phone market, ensuring that all devices in use are duly registered and traceable.
As the regulatory landscape evolves, stakeholders in the telecommunications sector will continue to assess the impact of these measures on the market dynamics. The government’s commitment to security and transparency, coupled with ongoing efforts to manage the import bill, is likely to shape the trajectory of mobile phone imports and usage patterns in the coming months.
