IT Ministry Sets Up Mobile Phone Installment Plan

The Ministry of Information Technology has established a policy for providing smartphones in installments to citizens, with the provision of blocking phones for payment defaulters. All mobile companies have reportedly agreed to this policy, aiming to prevent the misuse of mobile phones by defaulters.

According to sources, defaulters failing to pay installment dues will face the consequence of having their mobile phones blocked. This measure is part of a collaborative effort with the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) and is anticipated to be executed through the Device Identification Registration and Blocking System (DIRBS).

Read more : The Ministry of IT draughts a policy about blocking installment defaulters phones.

Sources indicate that the PTA will take the lead in blocking phones, shifting the responsibility from mobile companies. While addressing the blocking of unauthorized SIMs and ID cards is expected to follow, the primary focus is currently on blocking mobile phones of defaulters. The existing DIRBS system, utilized for blocking unauthorized or smuggled devices, will be utilized for this purpose.

To formalize the policy, the Ministry of Information Technology plans to submit it to the Law Ministry for thorough examination. After vetting, the policy will be presented to the federal cabinet for approval. Subsequently, the PTA will oversee the implementation of the policy, ensuring that defaulters face consequences for non-payment of installments.

It is noteworthy that the PTA had previously advocated for the formulation of a policy to address the issue of defaulters and the blocking of mobile phones as an enforcement measure.