There is no significant design, manufacturing or production of microprocessors in Pakistan, and the country is dependent on imports to meet almost all of its needs for silicon chips and microprocessors. This shortcoming, in addition to placing a heavy burden on foreign exchange reserves and the trade balance, makes Pakistan’s digital economy entirely dependent on foreign actors. At present, although the assembly of advanced microelectronics components has started on a small scale, Pakistan still needs to develop from the ground up in chip and microprocessor industry.

Challenge: Strategies for localizing the digital industry and enhancing the capabilities of Pakistani domestic manufacturers in the field of chips and microprocessors