The launch date of the agreement with PayPal is January 11.

The government has successfully addressed the longstanding demand of freelancers, allowing them to route their remittances through the international gateway, PayPal. Caretaker Federal Minister for Information Technology and Telecommunication, Dr. Umar Saif, disclosed this development while speaking to a select group of journalists. He also announced the Cabinet's approval of the National Space Policy, permitting private-sector companies to utilize low-orbit satellites for satellite communication services.

Dr. Saif shared that the Ministry of Information Technology and Telecommunication is poised to launch several digital initiatives next week. These initiatives include the facilitation of remittances through PayPal, the provision of smartphones to customers through easy installments, and the implementation of a standardized quality test for IT graduates, with the overarching goal of positioning Pakistan as a "Tech Destination."

At present, there is no financial instrument available for facilitating payments. Dr. Saif clarified that although PayPal is not directly entering the Pakistani market, an agreement has been reached to channel remittances from PayPal through a third party. The formal launching ceremony for this arrangement is scheduled for January 11.

Furthermore, Dr. Saif revealed that starting January 12, 2024, his ministry, in collaboration with all telecom stakeholders, will initiate a program enabling customers to acquire the latest smartphone models through easy installment plans. Jazz, in particular, plans to offer iPhones on installment. In case of installment non-payment, the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) will employ the Device Identification, Registration, and Blocking System (DIRBS) to block the handset.

The objective of this initiative is to incentivize responsible financial behavior and ensure continued smartphone accessibility. Dr. Saif emphasized that under this policy, telecom companies will have the opportunity to directly provide smartphones to customers through installment plans, thereby expanding the benefits of mobile broadband, especially among low-income segments in Pakistan.