Tech Desk 
Mar 21, 2025
The government’s plan to offer mobile phones on easy instalments has once again hit a roadblock. The Ministry of IT has finalised the policy and shared it with cellular mobile operators (CMOs), but a major disagreement remains over how to handle defaulters.
The main issue is whether defaulters' SIM cards should be blocked. Some mobile operators support this idea, while others oppose a centralised system that blocks all SIMs registered under a defaulter’s CNIC. Officials confirm that blocking the CNIC itself was never an option. The policy cannot move forward without agreement from all stakeholders.
Govt’s mobile phone installment plan
The smartphone instalment policy was initially launched in November 2023 and sent for approval in early 2024. The cabinet, however, referred it back for legal examination. Post-general elections, IT Minister Shaza Fatima examined a new draft, which was then circulated among banks, fintech firms, and CMOs. While some operators consented to SIM blocking, others opposed the concept, holding up the progress of the policy.
All CMOs have to agree before approval is given by the federal cabinet. If approved, the PTA and the IT Ministry would initiate enforcement. Officials emphasise the problem is not about offering smartphones in instalments but making the payments timely.
The policy is intended to make smartphones affordable for low-income citizens by offering interest-free instalment plans. However, without an effective enforcement mechanism, the plan can fail because of the risk of non-payment.
In addition, the PTA's DIRBS system is supposed to enforce the policy by blocking mobile phones in case of missed payments. However, without complete cooperation from CMOs, the future of this policy is uncertain.
