Agreement with Paypal: Launch on 11th January

ISLAMABAD: The government has resolved the long-standing demand of freelancers while enabling them to channelize remittances through the international gateway—Paypal.

This was revealed by caretaker federal minister for Information Technology and Telecommunication Dr Umar Saif while talking to a select group of journalists, who also stated that the Cabinet has approved the National Space Policy to allow private-sector companies to use low-orbit satellites in space to start satellite communication services for people.

Dr Saif informed that the Ministry of Information Technology and Telecommunication is all set to launch several digital initiatives next week including channelizing remittances through PayPal, providing smartphones to customers on easy installments as well as standardised quality test for IT graduates to make Pakistan a “Tech Destination”.

Currently, there is no financial instrument available to facilitate payments.

The minister said that PayPal is not coming to Pakistan but an agreement has been reached under which the remittances would be channelized from Paypal through a third party.

The formal launching ceremony in this regard is scheduled on January 11, he added.

Dr Saif further disclosed that his ministry with the coordination of all other stakeholders of telecom companies from January 12, 2024, will launch another initiative under which customers will get the latest model phones on easy instalments. Jazz is planning to offer iPhone on installments, he added.

In case of failure to pay instalment, the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) would block the handset on the pattern of Device Identification, Registration and Blocking System’s (DIRBS).

The IT minister said the aim is to incentive responsible financial behaviour and ensure that smartphone accessibility continues to expand.

The minister 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.