In a major milestone for Pakistan’s technology landscape, Air Link Communication Limited announced plans to open the country’s first-ever official Apple retail store by the end of 2025. The development was shared during the company’s corporate briefing session attended by Topline Securities on Thursday.
“According to management, Air Link plans to open Pakistan’s first-ever Apple retail store by the end of 2025, along with a Xiaomi retail outlet in Dolmen Mall Lahore,” Topline Securities reported in its post-briefing note.
This move marks a breakthrough in Pakistan’s premium electronics market, long dominated by grey-channel imports and unofficial resellers.
A Strategic Expansion in Apple’s Retail Network
Air Link’s announcement follows its September 2024 partnership with GNEXT Technologies, Apple’s official distributor for Pakistan, which appointed Air Link as its premium retail partner in the country.
“This strategic appointment aims to significantly expand the availability of Apple products through structured retail channel coverage,” Air Link stated at the time.
The collaboration is expected to bring authentic Apple products, including iPhones, iPads, MacBooks, Apple Watches, and accessories, to customers through official retail outlets for the first time in Pakistan’s history.
Industry experts believe this will improve after-sales support, authentic warranty services, and pricing transparency, reducing dependence on imported grey-market devices that dominate local sales.
Tech Community Reaction: Excitement and Caution
The news quickly went viral on Reddit’s r/PakistaniTech[1], where users expressed both optimism and skepticism.
One user wrote, “If this means genuine Apple pricing and warranties, that’s a game changer for Pakistan’s tech scene.”
Others were more cautious, pointing out Apple’s historically high regional pricing.
“If the store charges 40-50% above U.S. retail like most local vendors, people will still buy from Dubai,” another commenter noted.
However, the consensus across tech forums is clear: Pakistan’s first Apple retail store represents a symbolic leap in the nation’s digital infrastructure and consumer tech accessibility, especially amid renewed efforts to localize assembly and retail operations.
Beyond Apple: Air Link Eyes Broader Growth
In addition to the Apple project, Air Link revealed during the same session that it expects to receive its first shipment of 10,000 Acer laptops by November 2025. These completely built-up (CBU) units will be launched as part of a pilot program, with plans to transition toward local manufacturing depending on market performance.
The company also shared that it is in the process of onboarding another mobile brand for manufacturing and distribution, continuing its diversification across consumer electronics.
Air Link’s latest developments underscore a growing confidence in Pakistan’s electronics and retail sectors, which have seen increased foreign interest amid the government’s push for digital transformation and local manufacturing.
References
- ^ r/PakistaniTech (www.reddit.com)