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The Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) has announced a landmark decision that will provide nearly 2,000 female SIM card holders with free smartphones as part of a huge digital milestone. It is exciting that Pakistan has achieved such a milestone on its digital journey!
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Pakistan Reaches 200 Million Telecom Subscribers
Pakistan, a country with a population of over 220 million, has grown to over 200 million mobile and internet users! Incredibly, there are about 150 million people who are broadband internet users, and over 2 million homes have high-speed fiber internet connections.
The most exciting trend is the acceleration of access to the internet across individuals, small towns, and large cities. It is great to see Pakistan moving forward with bringing technology to people.
Free Smartphones: Who Can Get Them?
The free smartphone program is specifically designed for female SIM owners across Pakistan. Here are the key details about this program:
- Free distribution of 2,000 smartphones
- All phones manufactured locally in Pakistan
- The program includes all of Pakistan including Azad Jammu & Kashmir (AJK) and Gilgit Baltistan (GB)
- Participants will be selected through computerized balloting which ensures fairness
- Only female SIM card holders can participate
This program is designed to help reduce the digital divide and empower women to have increased access to technology and digital services.
How the Selection Process Works
The PTA has ensured that the process is entirely fair and transparent to all. In accordance with the plan, lucky female SIM owners will be selected from across the country via a computerized balloting process. This way, every eligible woman who has applied has the same chance for a free smartphone.
Mobile manufacturers have teamed up with the PTA to provide the free smartphones that are the incentive for this program; they fully support efforts for digital inclusion in Pakistan.
Additional Celebration Benefits
The smartphone giveaway is not the only benefit that citizens of Pakistan will receive. The PTA has announced several other exciting offers to celebrate the occasion:
- Free Data and Minutes for Everyone
- On June 20, 2025, every mobile user in Pakistan will get:
- 2GB free data,
- 200 on-net minutes for calls,
- Valid for 24 hours
- Available on all networks (Jazz, Telenor, Ufone, Zong and SCO),
To activate this free offer, users can simply dial *2200#.
Free Wi-Fi at Universities
PTA, together with PTCL and private partners, will be bringing together ‘free’ Wi-Fi hotspots to selected (HEC recognized) universities all over Pakistan for 6 months. The program has a focus on:
- HEC recognized universities all across Pakistan
- universities for women
- 6-month duration of free service
- improved local digital resources for students
This initiative is directed at improving student access to online educational resources and research tools.
Why This Matters for Pakistan
This announcement is significant for several reasons:
First, the smartphone program is aimed at women only and will work to reduce the digital gender gap in Pakistan. More female SIM owners will now have a free smartphone, and as a result, more women will benefit from digital services, such as online learning and business access.
Second, a burgeoning subscriber base of over 200 million means Pakistan is quickly evolving into a digitally connected nation. This expansion will create opportunities economically, in education, and for social development.
How to Stay Updated
We encourage the citizens who are interested in these programs to regularly check PTA’S announcements for info on the following:
- Results of balloting for the smartphone program.
- University Wi-Fi program locations.
- Future digital initiatives and programs.
This historic milestone begins a new chapter in Pakistan’s digital story of connectivity and inclusion. The free smartphone program for women is not solely about technology, but reflective of the opportunities we create and the communities we are empowering throughout the country.
Pakistan will continue to grow digitally and programs such as these, contribute to ensuring that everyone has an opportunity to engage and benefit in Pakistan’s dynamic digital future. While the journey to 200 million subscribers has been completed, the mission to connect and empower every citizen of this great country continues.
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