Citizens will get expensive phones including iPhones on instalments from government under “Smartphones for all” policy, reported 24NewsHD TV channel.

The important initiative was taken by Federal caretaker IT and Telecommunication Minister Dr Umar Saif.

The minister announced the policy while addressing a high-level meeting of PTA, cellular operators and GSMA on Thursday. 

The minister also directed to issue policy directives for PTA.

According to cellular operators policy, investment companies and banks will announce smartphone packages on installments.

As per policy phones of such defaulters who do not pay installments will be blocked and for defaulters, the next step could be SIM and subsequently National ID Card blocking.

The minister said that main objective of police is to discourage defaulters and to increase use of smartphones.

Umar Saif said that the increase in demand will benefit the mobile phone manufacturing industry and the country's economy as well.

A phone in the hands of a remote resident will also create business opportunities for cellular operators, said Dr. Umar Saif

He said that before taking any major decision, several hurdles have to face.

Smartphones for All policy is necessary to connect themselves with the digital world, and to promote e-commerce, said the minister.

Reporter: Tayab Saif