American technology giant Apple Inc. is reportedly planning to start manufacturing iPhones in Pakistan under a new Mobile and Electronics Manufacturing Framework proposed by the government.
According to officials, Apple will initially focus on repairing and refurbishing two-to-three-year-old iPhones for re-export. The government expects this move to generate around $100 million in the first year. Apple has requested discounted land, an 8% performance incentive (up from the current 6%), and policy support β conditions that have been included in the proposed framework awaiting approval from Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif.
Officials say Apple has followed a similar phased model in countries like Indonesia, Malaysia, and India, where it began with repairs before expanding into full-scale manufacturing.
The new policy also aims to attract $557 million in Chinese investment and increase localisation of mobile parts from 12% to 35% in the first year, with a future target of 50%. An export levy on high-end phones is proposed to fund technology development.
The governmentβs broader goal is to position Pakistan as a regional hub for mobile and electronics exports.
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