The caretaker government has announced a new initiative called the ‘Contract-based Smartphones Policy,’ scheduled to launch on January 15 next year. This policy aims to enable people to purchase smartphones through easy installment plans.
The Federal Caretaker Minister for Information Technology and Telecommunication, Dr. Umar Saif, revealed the details of the policy, highlighting its potential benefits for users, particularly those traveling to other countries who can avail themselves of the latest smartphone models through convenient installment options.
Dr. Saif emphasized that the policy was formulated after thorough discussions with telecom company stakeholders. The primary objective is to encourage responsible financial behavior and ensure the continuous expansion of smartphone accessibility. As part of the policy, telecom companies will directly offer smartphones to customers through installment plans, making mobile broadband more accessible, especially for low-income segments in Pakistan.
To safeguard investors from defaults, measures such as blocking mobile phones and potentially national identity cards of defaulters will be implemented. The minister stressed the importance of protecting investors and creating a robust mechanism to ensure the success of the policy.
Additionally, the Information Ministry, under Dr. Saif’s leadership, is introducing ‘Standardized Quality Measurement Tests’ from January 7 to 10, 2024, across the country’s universities.
This initiative aims to ensure job opportunities for fresh graduates and revamp Information Technology education in collaboration with various organizations, including the Higher Education Commission, National Computing Accreditation Council, Examination Testing Council, Pakistan Software Export Board, and Pakistan Software Houses Association.
As part of a countrywide program, around 20,000 to 25,000 students will be offered job opportunities through the Industry Placement Programme after passing the standardized tests. Funds will be allocated to support special industry courses in universities, designed to prepare students for current industry trends and needs. The overarching goal is to increase trained manpower in the industrial sector.
Dr. Saif stressed the importance of aligning educational institutions with industry requirements to facilitate industry-specific training for manpower.
He urged universities to take swift action to introduce new quality courses in entrepreneurship and exports for students, emphasizing the role of the IT sector in bringing about a productivity revolution in the country’s economy through the use of information and communications technology.
