Free Smartphones
The Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA), in collaboration with mobile phone manufacturers, has announced a nationwide initiative to distribute 2,000 free smartphones to female SIM card owners across Pakistan, including Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) and Gilgit Baltistan (GB).
The move is part of a larger celebration to mark a major milestone in the country’s digital landscape, as Pakistan surpasses 200 million telecom subscribers.
In a press release, the PTA highlighted the country’s continued growth in digital connectivity, with over 150 million broadband users and more than 2 million Fiber to the Home (FTTH) subscribers. The statement noted that this milestone is a reflection of Pakistan’s rapid digital transformation and the authority’s dedication to promoting inclusive access to communication technologies.
As part of the celebrations, mobile manufacturers have pledged to provide 2,000 locally assembled smartphones, which will be distributed to eligible female SIM holders through a computerized balloting process.
This initiative aims to support digital inclusion by helping bridge the gender gap in mobile access and encouraging greater female participation in the digital economy.
In addition to the smartphone distribution, the PTA has partnered with PTCL and various private sector companies to deploy free Wi-Fi hotspots at select universities across the country. This includes institutions recognized by the Higher Education Commission (HEC), with a particular focus on women’s universities.
The free Wi-Fi service will be available for a period of six months, aiming to enhance students’ access to digital tools, educational content, and online learning platforms.
Furthermore, to mark this significant achievement of crossing 200 million telecom subscribers, the PTA and Cellular Mobile Operators (CMOs), including Jazz, Telenor, Ufone, Zong, and SCO, are offering a special one-day package to all mobile users in Pakistan. On June 20, 2025, all subscribers will receive 2GB of free data and 200 on-net minutes valid for 24 hours. To activate the offer, users can dial the short code *2200# on any mobile network.
This series of announcements highlights PTA’s ongoing efforts to enhance digital access and ensure that the benefits of connectivity reach all segments of society, including women and students in underserved regions.
The initiatives reflect the authority’s broader goal of building a digitally inclusive Pakistan where every citizen can participate in the digital economy and benefit from improved communication infrastructure.
