The Caretaker Federal Minister for Information Technology and Telecommunication, Dr Umar Saif, announced on Friday the imminent launch of the "Smartphone for All” project. This initiative aims to make smartphones accessible to individuals through easy instalment plans, promoting broader smartphone usage in the country.
Dr Saif, in a statement on his official social media account, outlined the Ministry’s commitment to fostering the growth of the mobile phone manufacturing sector. As part of this strategy, a research and development fund is being established to support local mobile phone manufacturing companies.
Explaining the mechanics of the "Smartphone for All” project, Dr Umar Saif clarified that in case of instalment defaults, the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) would employ the Device Identification, Registration, and Blocking System (DIRBS) to block the handset. The minister emphasized that this approach aims to encourage responsible financial behavior while ensuring continued smartphone accessibility expansion.
Under this policy, telecom companies will be empowered to offer smartphones directly to customers through instalment plans. This move is anticipated to extend the benefits of mobile broadband, especially to low-income segments in Pakistan. Dr Saif highlighted that Pakistan stands as the seventh-largest mobile phone market globally, boasting 190 million mobile phones in active use.
The government’s broader objective, as articulated by Dr Umar Saif, is to reduce mobile phone imports by promoting the domestic manufacturing of affordable and high-quality mobile phones. The "Smartphone for All” project aligns with this vision, presenting a significant step toward making advanced mobile technology more inclusive and accessible to the Pakistani population.
