In 2025, buying a new laptop in Pakistan feels more expensive than ever. Whether you’re a student, freelancer, gamer, or working professional, chances are you’ve noticed the steep hike in laptop prices. But what’s really driving this surge?
1. The Dollar Rupee Exchange Rate: A Key Player
The Pakistani economy heavily depends on the US dollar for international trade, and laptops are no exception. Since most laptops are imported from countries like China, Taiwan, the USA, and the UAE, all payments are made in USD.
In 2025, the dollar rate is hovering around PKR 295–310, fluctuating with political instability, global inflation, and local economic policies. Even a slight change in the exchange rate significantly affects the landing price of a laptop.
For example:
- • A $500 laptop in 2022 may have cost around PKR 100,000.
- • That same laptop now costs upwards of PKR 150,000 in 2025 due to the exchange rate alone.
2. Heavy Import Duties and Regulatory Costs
After the economic crisis of 2022-2023, the government implemented stricter import regulations to preserve foreign reserves. This included:
- • Higher customs duties on electronics.
- • Sales tax and advance income tax on imported IT equipment.
- • Delays in Letter of Credit (LC) approvals.
In some cases, importers had to pay more than 40% in combined taxes on a single laptop shipment. These costs are eventually passed on to the end customer — you.
Even refurbished laptops aren’t exempt anymore. Many used laptops now face valuation-based duties, making even second-hand devices harder to afford.
3. Global Supply Chain Disruptions
While Pakistan has its internal issues, it’s also facing the ripple effects of global problems:
- • Post-COVID production delays in China and Taiwan.
- • Logistics issues and container shortages.
- • Rising chip manufacturing costs worldwide.
Brands like Dell, HP, Lenovo, and Apple are increasing their global prices due to raw material shortages. When laptops arrive in Pakistan, they’re already priced higher — add taxes, and it’s a recipe for sticker shock.
4. Smuggling and the Grey Market: No Longer Cheaper
Previously, many consumers relied on the grey market to find better laptop deals. These were products smuggled without taxes — offering lower prices, albeit with no warranties.
However, in 2024 and 2025, the FBR (Federal Board of Revenue) and customs authorities have started cracking down on this practice with stricter border checks and surveillance of e-commerce channels.
This means:
- • Limited availability of grey market laptops.
- • Smuggled products now cost nearly the same as legal imports.
- • Risk of counterfeit or refurbished products disguised as new ones.
5. Local Retailers’ Pricing Strategies
Let’s not ignore the role of local retailers and distributors. With low supply and high demand, some sellers have:
- • Inflated profit margins.
- • Stockpiled laptops during low-tax periods and reselling them later at higher prices.
- • Added “freebies” like bags or antivirus software to justify increased rates.
Unfortunately, due to lack of pricing regulation, customers often have no choice but to pay the premium.
6. Lack of Local Manufacturing
Pakistan still doesn’t manufacture laptops locally at a mass scale. Unlike India, which has introduced assembly plants for brands like Dell and Acer, Pakistan lags behind.
As long as the country remains dependent on foreign imports for electronics:
- • We’re exposed to global pricing shocks.
- • Every import-related fee adds to the final cost.
- • The dream of affordable, tech-forward education and business remains just that — a dream.
7. Rising Demand After COVID & Remote Work Trends
COVID-19 created a permanent shift in how we use technology. Remote jobs, freelancing, online education, and digital startups have grown exponentially in Pakistan.
This surge in demand, paired with limited supply, has led to a classic case of market imbalance — naturally pushing prices upward.
8. What Can Buyers Do?
While you can’t control dollar rates or government taxes, there are smart ways to buy laptops more affordably:
- • Compare prices on platforms like Daraz, Mega.pk, and UsmanElectronics.pk.
- • Look for certified refurbished models with warranties.
- • Wait for shopping festivals or clearance sales.
- • Consider slightly older generations (11th or 12th Gen Intel/AMD) for budget-friendliness.
- • Ask for student or freelancer discounts — some retailers offer special packages.
FAQs:
1. Why are laptop prices in Pakistan increasing in 2025?
Laptop prices are increasing due to a mix of high dollar rates, heavy taxes, import restrictions, and global supply chain issues.
2. Is it cheaper to buy a laptop from Dubai or the USA?
It may seem cheaper at first, but customs duty and shipping costs often make it equally expensive unless someone hand-carries it for you.
3. Will laptop prices decrease anytime soon in Pakistan?
Unless there’s a drop in dollar rates, tax reforms, or local manufacturing starts, significant price reductions are unlikely in the near future.
4. Is buying a used or refurbished laptop a good option?
Yes, especially if it’s from a trusted source offering warranty and has been professionally restored. Always test before buying.
5. How can I save money when buying a laptop in 2025?
Look for deals, explore older-gen models, buy during sales, or choose certified refurbished devices with warranties.
Conclusion
The rising laptop prices in Pakistan aren’t just random — they’re a result of layered economic, political, and global issues. From import duties to dollar rates and even local seller tactics, every factor plays its part.
As a buyer in 2025, being informed is your first step to making a better purchase. Whether you’re shopping for your next workstation or just a reliable study companion, understanding the why behind the price tag can help you find better when and where options.
Stay updated, compare prices, and shop smart — and remember, the right laptop is an investment in your future.