The caretaker government is apparently going to start a system to distribute cell phones on installments to individuals across Pakistan in order to make technology more accessible to the general public.
According to local media, the Ministry of Information and Technology conducted a conference the day before that was attended by leaders from the country’s top telecommunications corporations.
During the meeting, a top ministry official informed the companies about the government’s plan to write laws for a system in which mobile phones will be handed to the general public on installments.
Once the legislation is implemented, all people who have a national identity card will be able to acquire cell phones in installments from mobile providers, he said, adding that the ID card or IMEI will be blocked in the event of a default.
According to reports citing sources, recommendations in this respect are being formalised, and relevant departments will be brought on board soon.
Smartphones on installments – How would it work in Pakistan?
In different parts of the world, companies offer mobile phones to the public in installments. Customers must pay a set amount in advance and the remainder amount on installments over three to twelve months under the system.
According to reports, Pakistanis will not need to go through any lengthy paperwork because they will be able to purchase a mobile phone using their NADRA ID card.