Caretaker IT and Telecommunication Minister Dr Umar Saif has said that the government will launch a contract-based smartphone policy from January 15 of next year, Radio Pakistan reported.

Speaking to a private channel on Friday, the IT minister said that people travelling to other countries will get the latest model of smartphones on easy instalments under the policy.

He said that the caretaker government aims to incentivise responsible financial behaviour and ensure that smartphone accessibility continues to expand.

Dr Saif also announced that the IT Ministry is also introducing the ’Standardised Quality measurement Tests across universities in Pakistan to ensure job opportunities for fresh graduates.

Under the programme, around 25,000 students who pass the test will be offered job opportunities through the Industry Placement Programme.