PM Shahbaz to meet Apple CEO to bring Apple manufacturing in Pakistan
Pakistan targets Apple
PM Shahbaz it making fresh efforts to bring Apple manufacturing in Pakistan’s growing electronic sector.
The government hopes the company could establish manufacturing or assembly operations in the country, giving a major boost to local production.
The move comes as officials promote iPhone manufacturing Pakistan and seek greater investment from international technology companies.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif is expected to meet Apple CEO John Ternus during a planned visit to Washington in the coming months.
The possible meeting could become an important step in Pakistan’s efforts to attract Apple Pakistan investment.
What officials have revealed
Engineering Development Board CEO Hammad Mansoor shared the development during a briefing before the National Assembly Standing Committee on Information Technology and Telecommunication.
He said the government wants to persuade Apple to enter Pakistan’s mobile-phone manufacturing sector.
The country already has a sizeable local manufacturing base, with 37 companies involved in producing mobile phones.
More than 35 million handsets have reportedly been manufactured locally so far.
This existing industry could provide a foundation for Apple manufacturing Pakistan plans if the company decides to explore local operations.
Officials also believe greater investment could help expand iPhone manufacturing Pakistan capabilities and create more opportunities for local businesses.
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Bigger plans for electronics
The government is not only looking at Apple.
Pakistan has finalized the Mobile & Electronic Devices Manufacturing Policy 2026–33, which aims to attract major international companies, including Apple and Samsung.
The policy focuses on employment, technology transfer, foreign investment and exports.
Under the plan, Pakistan wants to move beyond basic assembly and develop a stronger electronics manufacturing ecosystem.
Attracting Apple Pakistan operations would be a major development for that strategy.
Why Apple matters
Apple is one of the biggest smartphone brands in the world, but it has not established local phone manufacturing operations in Pakistan.
Officials now want to change that situation.
A successful Apple manufacturing Pakistan arrangement could bring investment, technical knowledge and new opportunities for the local supply chain.
It could also strengthen the country’s ambitions to become a regional electronics manufacturing hub.
Why the proposed meeting is important
The timing of the possible Shehbaz Sharif meeting with Apple CEO John Ternus is also significant.
Ternus became Apple’s CEO on September 1, 2026, succeeding Tim Cook, who moved into the position of executive chairman.
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Ternus joined Apple in 2001 and previously led its hardware engineering organization.
He has worked on major products including the iPhone, iPad, Mac and Apple Watch.
If discussions progress, the Shehbaz Sharif meeting with Apple CEO John Ternus could give Pakistan an opportunity to present its investment plans directly to Apple’s new leadership.
