At the very start of 2026, Pakistani mobile phone users and tech buyers were hit with some unsettling news: mobile phones are becoming even more expensive, and second-hand imports are on the brink of being banned. For many, this feels like an unexpected setback—a blow to personal budgets and future plans.
If you were planning to buy a second-hand iPhone, Samsung, or any other smartphone, this development should catch your attention. Because right now, the Government of Pakistan has announced a major policy change: used mobile phones imported from abroad will no longer be allowed into the country.
Until recently, many of these used devices came through places like Dubai and other international channels. These weren’t new phones—just pre-owned devices that found their way into Pakistan and helped millions afford quality technology at reduced prices. But with this policy, that era may soon come to an end.
This decision is part of the Mobile Electronics Regulation Policy 2026, a government initiative aimed at strengthening local manufacturing and reducing reliance on imported electronics. At its core, the policy seeks to promote Pakistani-made phones and encourage manufacturing within the country.
There’s a deeper meaning behind this ban on imports. On one hand, it may drive up the cost of mobile phones in the short term—especially for buyers who depended on affordable second-hand options. Many people are already wondering: What happens next? How will this affect everyday consumers?
But on the other hand, if this policy succeeds as planned, it could bring long-term benefits. Increased support for local phone manufacturing might eventually lead to more affordable, high-quality devices made right here in Pakistan. That’s the hope: that Pakistani consumers will no longer bear the brunt of rising global electronics prices and will benefit from a stronger domestic tech industry.
Still, transition is rarely easy. Change like this stirs questions, concerns, and a fair bit of uncertainty.
So we want to hear from you:
Do you think banning imported second-hand phones will be beneficial for Pakistan in the long run? Or will it hurt everyday buyers more than it helps?
Share your thoughts in the comments—your voice matters as we navigate this shift together.