PTI’s policies spurred job creation in telecom industry: Senate panel told

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan achieved significant success in mobile manufacturing and renewable energy sectors during the tenure of the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) government.

The implementation of key policies led to substantial economic growth, job creation, and a boost in local mobile phone production, a meeting of the Senate Standing Committee on Industry and Production chaired by Senator Aon Abbas was told on Thursday.

The meeting was briefed that the mobile policy approved by the PTI government in 2019 led to the creation of 40,000 jobs across the country. This policy helped Pakistan become self-sufficient in mobile production, with local manufacturing reaching 22.99 million units by 2024.

This impressive growth significantly reduced the country’s reliance on imports, with mobile imports falling from 12.07 million units in 2018 to just 1.17 million units in 2024.

The briefing also highlighted that 37 companies were granted the right to produce mobiles locally, contributing to the production of over 7.21 million units.

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Since the policy’s introduction, a total of 115.2 million mobile units were manufactured in Pakistan, showcasing its positive impact on the economy, including the creation of 40,000 new jobs in the sector.

In addition to mobile manufacturing, the government pushed forward its solar energy initiatives.

The Senate committee also discussed the country’s solar policy, revealing plans to increase solar capacity. The Engineering Development Board (EDB) chief executive officer briefed the committee on new proposals to boost local solar panel production, including exemptions on duties for solar plant machinery imports.

The meeting was told that 10-year policy framework was also being considered to further encourage the local production of solar energy equipment.

With the rise of solar power, the meeting was told that Pakistan aims to establish 3,000 electric vehicle (EV) charging stations across the country, particularly at key locations such as Islamabad’s petrol stations and along motorways. Additionally, oil companies will be required to set up charging stations at all new petrol pumps. The government is also introducing tax exemptions and incentives to encourage the adoption of renewable energy sources, the meeting was told.

The committee revealed that the government was working on an electric vehicle policy draft. The policy aims to increase the production and use of electric vehicles, including the installation of 40 new charging stations along motorways.

With 2.5 million electric bikes being produced annually, the government is focusing on promoting sustainable transportation as part of its broader push towards green energy.

On a lighter note, during the committee’s discussions, it was suggested that Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif be gifted an electric bike to set an example for the public.

“Shahbaz Sharif will not only ride the electric bike but also take part in ride-sharing services like “Ooober”,” quipped the committee chairman while refering to the prime minister’s spoken words about his visit to an industry in Japan.