Caretaker’s Smartphones Contract Initiative from January

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Islamabad: Dr Umar Saif, the Caretaker IT and Telecommunication Minister revealed plans for a groundbreaking ‘contract-based smartphone policy’ set to launch on January 15, 2024.

This initiative, a collaborative effort with telecom stakeholders, aims to provide the latest smartphone models to travelers on convenient installment plans, fostering economic benefits.

In an interview with a private news channel, Dr Saif emphasized the goal of promoting responsible financial practices while ensuring broader smartphone accessibility.

He stressed the need for a robust system safeguarding investors from defaults, proposing measures like potential blocking of mobile phones and national identity cards of defaulters.

Under this policy, telecom companies will directly offer smartphones to customers through installment options, intending to extend mobile broadband advantages, particularly among Pakistan’s low-income segments.

Addressing inquiries, Dr Saif announced the implementation of ‘Standardized Quality Measurement Tests’ across Pakistani universities from January 7 to 10.

These measures seek to enhance job prospects for fresh graduates by revamping IT education in collaboration with various entities such as HEC, the National Computing Accreditation Council, the Examination Testing Council, the Pakistan Software Export Board, and the Pakistan Software Houses Association.

The minister highlighted plans to offer job opportunities through the Industry Placement Programme to approximately 20,000 to 25,000 students who pass the countrywide standardized tests. The ministry will allocate funds to support specialized industry courses, equipping students with skills aligned with current industry demands to bolster the trained workforce in the industrial sector.

Dr Saif stressed the importance of aligning educational institutions with industry requisites, emphasizing industry-specific training to bridge the gap between academia and practical skill sets.

Moreover, he encouraged universities to promptly introduce high-quality courses focused on entrepreneurship and exports to fortify the country’s economy.

In response to a query, Dr Saif outlined plans for exponential growth in the IT sector, highlighting its pivotal role in driving a productivity revolution through the effective utilization of information and communications technology.