Caretaker Minister for IT and Telecommunication, Dr Umar Saif on Friday said that the ministry in coordination with stakeholders telecom companies was going to launch ‘Contract based smart phone policy’ from January 15, 2024 to facilitate the people traveling to other countries in getting latest model phones on easy installments, which will benefit economy. In interaction with a private news channel, the minister said that our aim to incentive responsible financial behavior and ensure that smart phone accessibility continues to expand, adding, we need a robust mechanism to protect investors from defaults, suggesting measures such as blocking mobile phones and, potentially, national identity cards of defaulters. Dr Umar Saif said that under this policy, telecom companies will have the opportunity to directly offer smartphones to customers through installment plans, thereby expanding the benefits of mobile broadband, especially among low-income segments in Pakistan. To a question, he announced that the IT ministry was also introducing a ‘Standardized Quality measurement Tests’ from January 7 to 10, across universities in Pakistan to ensure job opportunities for fresh graduates.

Ministry have made significant decisions to revamp IT education in universities in collaboration with HEC, the National Computing Accreditation Council, the Examination Testing Council, the Pakistan Software Export Board, and the Pakistan Software Houses Association. He said further explained the program that countrywide students around 20 to 25,000 who will pass the test will be offered job opportunities through the Industry Placement Program. Dr Umar Saif said that we will allocate funds to support special industry courses in universities, designed to prepare students for current industry trends and needs, we aim to increase our trained manpower in industrial sector. He also highlighted the importance of aligning educational institutions with industry requirements and facilitating industry-specific training manpower. Minister also asked the universities to take rapid action to start new quality courses in entrepreneurship and exports for students which would help boost economy of the country. To another query, he replied that we have planned to make exponential growth in IT sector as it is necessary for us to bring productivity revolution in our economy by using Information and Communications Technology.

Credit: Independent News Pakistan (INP)