Apple will start manufacturing iPhones locally in Pakistan through the new Mobile and Electronics Manufacturing Framework, government officials announced.
Led by the Engineering Development Board, the initiative begins with refurbishing older iPhones (2-3 years old) for re-export, targeting USD 100 million in first-year revenue. CEO Hamad Ali Mansoor confirmed Apple requested discounted land and an 8% performance incentive now included in the framework awaiting Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif's approval. The model mirrors Apple's successful starts in Indonesia, India, and Malaysia.
Pakistan's current 6% incentive for mobile makers will rise to 8% to lure giants like Apple, with Special Assistant Haroon Akhtar Khan backing the policy. Chinese firms have pledged USD 557 million via Beijing MoUs.
The framework covers laptops, tablets, smartwatches, and more, aiming to make Pakistan an export hub. Local parts usage will jump from 12% to 35% initially, targeting 50% later. A 6% export levy on phones over PKR 100,000 (exempting PKR 50K-60K range) will fund PKR 62 billion for localization.
