ISLAMABAD:
The federal government is preparing a mobile phone leasing policy aimed at making 5G smartphones accessible to a wider segment of the population through affordable monthly installments, officials said during a background briefing on preparations for Pakistan’s upcoming 5G spectrum auction.
Secretary of the Ministry of IT and Telecom Zarrar Hasham Khan said an initial draft of the policy has been finalized and is currently under consultation with telecom operators, banks, and industry stakeholders. The initiative is expected to be implemented following the launch of 5G services in the country.
The proposed leasing scheme seeks to reduce the upfront cost of smartphones, allowing citizens to purchase modern devices through manageable installment plans as Pakistan moves toward next-generation mobile connectivity.
Separately, Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) Chairman Major General (R) Hafeez Ur Rehman said entry-level 5G smartphones are expected to remain within an affordable price bracket, estimated between Rs40,000 and Rs45,000, to encourage broader adoption once 5G services are rolled out.
Officials noted that affordable smartphone access is critical for enabling citizens to fully benefit from expanding digital services and high-speed internet connectivity.
According to the IT ministry, certain gaps were identified in the initial draft of the policy, prompting the government to circulate it among relevant stakeholders for feedback before final approval.
Minister for IT and Telecom Shaza Fatima Khawaja said Pakistan’s mobile phone market is largely supported by domestic production, with nearly 95 percent of devices locally manufactured, while only about three percent of users rely on high-end imported phones.
Addressing concerns regarding handset taxation, the PTA chairman clarified that duties on mobile phone imports are imposed and collected by the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR), not the telecom regulator. He added that PTA does not determine tax rates for individual handset models.
Rehman also revealed that PTA has engaged with local manufacturers to support the transition to 5G technology. Currently, around 35 companies are producing mobile phones in Pakistan, with at least five manufacturers already producing 5G-compatible devices.
Officials said the government intends to ensure adequate availability of 5G smartphones in the market ahead of the commercial launch of 5G services, expected after the spectrum auction process is completed.
