PM Shehbaz to Meet Apple CEO in US Over Pakistan Entry

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif is expected to meet Apple CEO John Ternus in the United States as Pakistan looks to attract the technology giant’s manufacturing or assembly operations to the country.

The development was shared by Engineering Development Board (EDB) CEO Hammad Mansoor during a briefing before the National Assembly Standing Committee on Information Technology and Telecommunication.

Pakistan Wants Apple to Manufacture Locally

According to the EDB, Pakistan currently has 37 companies manufacturing mobile phones locally, with more than 35 million handsets produced in the country so far.

Apple is currently the only major smartphone company without local phone manufacturing operations in Pakistan. The government is therefore trying to attract Apple to establish manufacturing or assembly facilities in the country.

Pakistan's Mobile & Electronic Devices Manufacturing Policy 2026–33 also aims to attract major global companies, including Apple and Samsung, to establish manufacturing plants. The government says the policy is intended to support employment, technology transfer, investment and exports.

What Could the Apple Meeting Mean for Pakistan?

The expected meeting between PM Shehbaz Sharif and John Ternus could provide an opportunity to discuss Apple's potential entry into Pakistan's manufacturing sector.

However, there is currently no confirmed agreement that Apple will manufacture iPhones in Pakistan. The meeting is part of Pakistan's broader effort to attract international technology companies.

The government is also seeking to strengthen the local mobile manufacturing industry. During the committee briefing, lawmakers stressed that locally produced phones should remain affordable while meeting quality standards.

They also called for greater production of 4G and 5G smartphones instead of older 3G devices.

Pakistan's Bigger Mobile Manufacturing Plan

Pakistan is attempting to move beyond basic handset assembly and build a broader electronics manufacturing ecosystem.

The government's 2026–33 policy framework specifically identifies international companies such as Apple and Samsung as potential investors. The plan is aimed at increasing local production, attracting foreign investment and strengthening Pakistan's position in the global electronics supply chain.

If Apple eventually establishes manufacturing or assembly operations in Pakistan, it could bring new investment, technical expertise and employment opportunities. For now, however, the proposed meeting remains an effort to explore Apple's possible entry into the Pakistani market.