Mobile Industry Raises Alarm Over Proposed Ban on Local 2G Phone Manufacturing

ISLAMABAD: The mobile phone industry has expressed serious concerns after the government’s proposed policy to phase out local manufacturing of 2G feature phones came to light, calling it a threat to local industry, investment and employment.

Mobile phone manufacturers say that the move could affect the availability of cheap mobile phones for millions of low-income Pakistani consumers, while local manufacturing units established in the country and thousands of employees associated with them will also face difficulties.

The Pakistan Mobile Phone Manufacturers Association (PMPMA) has warned that if local production of 2G feature phones is stopped, laborers, farmers, drivers, security guards and other low-income groups may be deprived of modern communication facilities, as only cheap feature phones are affordable for them.

PMPMA Chairman Haji Abdul Rehman has said that the end of local manufacturing of 2G phones will be a major setback for the “Made in Pakistan” vision, industrial development and promotion of local production. He said that this decision would affect investment in local industry and could also reduce employment opportunities.

He demanded that the government urgently review the controversial Clause 7.1 included in the proposed policy and prepare a course of action by taking all stakeholders into confidence that would be in the interest of the industry, consumers and the national economy.