Pakistan’s Ministry of Information Technology is actively developing a mobile phone leasing policy aimed at improving smartphone access across the country, Federal Minister for IT Shaza Fatima confirmed. The draft policy is currently under consultation with relevant stakeholders, including mobile phone operators, as the ministry seeks practical solutions to increase device affordability and expand mobile phone penetration. The initiative aligns with broader government efforts to support digital inclusion, particularly in regions where access to smartphones remains limited due to cost barriers.
Shaza Fatima emphasized that the IT Ministry is exploring multiple strategies to enhance mobile phone availability, including financing options that would allow consumers to acquire devices through leasing arrangements. The draft policy has already been circulated to mobile phone operators for feedback, and discussions are ongoing to finalize its provisions in the near term. According to the minister, one of the policy’s key objectives is to balance affordability for consumers with regulatory oversight to prevent potential misuse.
While advocating for improved access, Shaza Fatima also noted the ministry’s support for reducing taxes on imported mobile phones. Lower import duties could make smartphones more affordable for a wider segment of the population, further boosting mobile penetration. However, she cautioned that previous initiatives aimed at offering tax exemptions for overseas Pakistanis had been exploited. In those cases, individuals registered multiple devices using passports that did not belong to them, which led to significant fraud across various institutions. Shaza Fatima shared a personal experience, revealing that when attempting to register her own phone, she discovered three devices had already been registered under her passport. Such misuse prompted Federal Board of Revenue to discontinue the one-phone tax-free facility.
The minister also highlighted that while reducing taxes remains a government priority to improve affordability, the majority of mobile phones in Pakistan are now locally manufactured. This shift in the supply chain reduces reliance on imports while providing opportunities to strengthen domestic manufacturing and create additional economic value. The proposed leasing policy is expected to complement local production by making smartphones accessible to consumers who might otherwise be unable to afford them outright. By combining financial solutions, regulatory safeguards, and support for local manufacturing, the Ministry of IT aims to create a sustainable framework that promotes widespread adoption of mobile technology and strengthens Pakistan’s digital infrastructure.
Overall, the policy reflects an approach focused on expanding mobile phone access, encouraging responsible usage, and ensuring that both imported and locally produced smartphones reach a larger population. Observers note that such measures could play a significant role in fostering digital inclusion, particularly in rural and underserved areas, while supporting the country’s broader efforts in digital economy development and technology adoption.
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