PTA Launches Free Smartphones for Female SIM Owners in Pakistan

The Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) has officially announced a landmark initiative to distribute 2,000 locally assembled smartphones to female SIM owners through a nationwide computerized balloting process. This effort is part of a broader celebration marking Pakistan’s historic achievement of crossing 200 million telecom subscribers.

Why the Initiative?

• Celebrating milestone: Pakistan has surpassed 200 million telecom subscribers, with over 150 million broadband and more than 2 million FTTH users.
• Promoting inclusion: The PTA aims to bridge gender and digital access gaps by empowering women with smartphones.
• Supporting education: Simultaneously, free six-month Wi‑Fi hotspots will be deployed at HEC-recognized universities, especially women’s campuses.

Key Highlights of the PTA Initiative

• Smartphone distribution: 2,000 locally assembled smartphones, commissioned by PTA in collaboration with major mobile manufacturers, will be distributed to female SIM owners in Pakistan, Azad Jammu & Kashmir (AJK), and Gilgit–Baltistan (GB).
• Computerized balloting: All women registered with a female SIM will be automatically included in the draw, which will be held electronically. The PTA will announce the draw date on its official platforms.
• Data & minutes offer: As a one-day bonus, all mobile users in Pakistan received a voucher for 2 GB of free data and 200 on-net minutes valid for 24 hours on June 20, 2025 (redeemable via dialing *2200#)
• University Wi‑Fi: PTA, along with PTCL, Transworld, Nayatel, Cybernet, Cybernet, and Wateen, will provide free six-month Wi‑Fi hotspots at select HEC-accredited universities, particularly women’s institutions, to enhance digital learning.

Impact and Vision

This move by PTA reflects a holistic strategy to strengthen Pakistan’s digital ecosystem. By offering resources to female SIM owners, the Authority seeks to:

1. Empower women via accessible digital tools, boosting social and economic participation.
2. Encourage digital literacy and online learning among female students.
3. Promote gender equality in technology, reducing the digital gender gap.
4. Reaffirm Pakistan’s commitment to digital inclusion and education.

How to Stay Updated

The PTA has not yet revealed the date for the computerized draw. Female SIM users are encouraged to:

• Follow the PTA’s official website and social media channels.
• Check SMS, email, or notifications from their mobile service provider.

The PTA’s latest campaign marks a significant stride toward narrowing Pakistan’s gender and digital divide. By awarding smartphones to female SIM owners and expanding Wi‑Fi access at universities, the Authority is delivering on its promise of a more inclusive digital future. As PTA continues to roll out these benefits, the draw results and distribution logistics will be shared shortly.