PM Shehbaz seeks 100pc digital payments, targets cashless Pakistan
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has directed government authorities to prepare a detailed plan with fixed deadlines to introduce a fully digital payment system across the country. He issued these instructions during a high-level meeting in Islamabad on promoting a cashless economy, according to the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO).
PM demands clear targets for digital payments
The prime minister asked officials to set clear goals and deadlines for achieving 100pc digital payments in Pakistan. He also directed authorities to immediately address problems faced by people using digital payment services.
“The issues faced by users in the digital payments system should be resolved immediately,” PM Shehbaz said. He stressed that making digital payments easier and more reliable was necessary to encourage people to move away from cash transactions.
“To promote a cashless economy, the provision of internet across the country and easy access to technology for the public must be ensured.” He said that people in every part of the country should have access to internet and modern technology.
“Promoting a cashless economy is one of the government’s top priorities, with its positive results already beginning to emerge,” PM Shehbaz was quoted as saying. He also appreciated the “ongoing successful efforts by the Ministry of Finance and all relevant state institutions” to expand digital payments.
Raast QR codes to promote cashless transactions
The prime minister highlighted the importance of Raast QR codes in making digital payments easier for consumers and businesses. He said the system was helping the government achieve its goal of establishing a cashless economy.
“The payment system through Raast QR codes is proving instrumental in achieving the government’s vision of a cashless economy,” the prime minister said. He directed authorities to continue supporting the scheme so that customers and shopkeepers could make payments through QR codes.
PM Shehbaz also ordered an effective media campaign to encourage electricity and gas consumers to pay their bills through QR codes printed on utility bills. He instructed all federal ministries and government institutions to fully implement the cashless economy plan.
Government targets digital payments across institutions
Officials informed the meeting that work on introducing digital payments in federal and provincial government departments was progressing quickly. According to the PMO, payments in “most institutions” are expected to become fully digital by December 2026.
The briefing also revealed that 100pc of payments under the Benazir Income Support Programme (BISP) were already being made through digital wallets. This system allows beneficiaries to receive financial assistance electronically instead of relying on traditional cash payments.
Authorities are also working on a modern digital payment system for areas where internet services are unavailable. The PMO said that “Efforts to establish infrastructure for internet provision across the country are progressing rapidly.”
Cheque payments to shift to Raast system
The government has also decided to end cheque-based payments through Asaan Assignment Account from November 15. After this change, payments will be made through the Raast digital payment system across the country.
The PMO said that drawing and disbursing officers had already received training to operate the new system. This move is part of the government’s wider effort to reduce paperwork and make official payments faster and more transparent.
The federal government has also been working on major financial reforms to improve the country’s financial system. These measures include changes to the tax system, improving the performance of the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR), promoting cashless transactions and introducing modern technology.
Pakistan’s move towards a 100pc digital payments system could make financial transactions faster and easier. It may also help reduce cash handling, improve transparency and make government payments more efficient.
However, the plan will face challenges in areas with weak internet services and limited access to technology. The government will need to improve internet coverage and ensure that ordinary people can use digital payment services without difficulty.
Also read: Digital payments surge as Pakistan embraces cashless banking
