Online rumors that Pakistanis wouldn’t be able to get Google Play Store services are false and misleading because the Play Store is accessible to users.
However, in order to reduce outflow, the State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) has prohibited accepting payments from mobile carriers.
According to reports, the State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) has halted payments totaling $34 million to foreign service providers, making it impossible for mobile customers in Pakistan to access paid services through the Google Play Store.
The SBP banned Direct Carrier Billing (DCB), and as a result, the $34 million in annual payments to foreign service providers including Google, Amazon, and Meta have been frozen.
It is important to emphasize that Pakistani consumers can only download apps from the Play Store and other platforms using credit or debit cards.
Keep in mind that Pakistan only offers a limited number of credit card options, which limits users’ ability to download premium apps.
The Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA), the Ministry of Information Technology and Telecommunication (MoITT), and four cellular mobile operators (CMOs) all agreed to write a letter to the SBP over this.
In view of the nation’s liquidity crisis, it is seeking in the letter that SBP reconsiders its decision to withdraw the DCB mechanism for payment of dollar fees.
To read our blog on “Google Play Store draws out the Pakistani online loan scam app,” click here.
