Islamabad, March 15, 2026 – Pakistan has spent $1.30 billion on mobile phone imports during the first eight months (July–February) of the 2025-26 fiscal year, according to official data released by the Pakistan Bureau of Statistics (PBS).
The figures indicate a 30% year-on-year increase compared with $1 billion spent on mobile phone imports during the same period last year. In February 2026 alone, imports rose 18% to $155.55 million, up from $132 million in February 2025.
Market analysts attribute the surge to the growing demand for smart and advanced handsets, particularly for digital financial transactions, online payments, and AI-driven applications. The trend reflects a broader shift in consumer preferences toward feature-rich smartphones that support modern digital lifestyles.
Additionally, the State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) has eased restrictions on import payments, facilitating smoother transactions and contributing to the rise in imports. Analysts note that this increase comes at a critical time for Pakistan, which is negotiating with the International Monetary Fund (IMF) for the third review of its Extended Fund Facility (EFF).
The government has implemented financial restrictions, higher taxes, and withdrawal of certain incentives to maintain macroeconomic stability and meet IMF conditions. Despite these measures, the persistent demand for mobile phones underscores the country’s reliance on imports to meet consumer and business needs.
Experts suggest that while rising imports reflect growing digital adoption, the surge also adds pressure on the country’s current account and highlights the need for promoting local smartphone assembly and production to reduce import dependency.