In a recent interview with a private news channel, Umar Saif, the Caretaker Federal Minister for Information Technology and Telecom, made a significant announcement regarding the availability of cost-effective mobile phones produced in Pakistan. Saif revealed that by the next year, people will have the option to purchase affordable locally-made mobile phones through installment plans. These made-in-Pakistan phones are expected to be much more affordable, with an estimated average cost of around 15,000 rupees. Dr. Saif highlighted that 33 local companies have collectively produced a remarkable 57 million affordable mobile phones, with 120 million already exported.
Dr. Saif emphasized the importance of this move, noting that Pakistan has approximately 1.5 million cell phone users, most of whom rely on imported devices. He firmly believes that there’s no reason why mobile phones cannot be assembled and manufactured domestically.
As a prominent figure in the field of Information Technology, Umar Saif holds various leadership positions, including CEO of aiSight.ai, Chief Digital Officer of the Jang Group, and CEO of Khudi Ventures. He also serves as an adviser to the United Nations Development Programme in Pakistan. Saif’s background and advisory roles underscore his commitment to advancing technology, making this announcement a promising step towards greater affordability and accessibility in the mobile phone market.
