The caretaker government has officially introduced an installment plan for iPhones, set to commence on January 12, 2024. In a statement, Caretaker Federal Minister for Information Technology, Dr. Umar Saif, revealed the collaboration details with telecom stakeholders for this initiative.
Under this program, customers will have the opportunity to acquire the latest iPhone models through convenient installment payments. Dr. Umar Saif emphasized that iPhones would be included in this special offer.
To enforce responsible financial behavior, the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) will implement the Device Identification, Registration, and Blocking Systems (DIRBS) to restrict handsets in cases of installment non-payment.
The primary objective of this policy is to encourage responsible financial practices while facilitating the continuous growth of smartphone usage in the country.
The minister highlighted that telecom companies are prepared to play a crucial role by directly providing smartphones to consumers through installment plans. This move aims to extend the advantages of mobile broadband, particularly to lower-income groups.
It’s worth noting that Federal Minister Umar Saif had initially disclosed this plan in October 2023. At that time, he emphasized the prevalence of inexpensive phones in Pakistan due to financial constraints, stating that not everyone can afford phones priced at Rs80,000, Rs200,000, or Rs300,000 in one lump sum.
