The government is preparing to establish a centralized merchant database as part of efforts to expand digital payments and reduce reliance on cash across Pakistan.

The proposal was discussed at a high-level meeting chaired by Minister of State for Finance Bilal Azhar Kayani at the Finance Division on September 2. The meeting was held ahead of the upcoming review of the Prime Minister’s Cashless Initiative.

Real-time transaction monitoring

Officials reviewed progress on earlier directives and discussed targets for the national Cashless Dashboard for the current fiscal year. New analytical indicators are also being considered to strengthen real-time monitoring, transparency and data-based decision-making.

The meeting examined growth in active digital merchants, digital transaction volumes and the number of digital banking users recorded during the previous year.

Government payments to go digital

Officials also reviewed efforts to digitize payments made by state-owned enterprises and autonomous bodies. The government reiterated its goal of fully digitizing payments to vendors, employees and pensioners.

Authorities also discussed ways to encourage more merchants to accept digital payments nationwide and simplify the payment process for citizens.

Focus on transparency and inclusion

Kayani said the government remains committed to Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s vision of a transparent, documented and inclusive economy.

Senior officials from the Finance Ministry, State Bank of Pakistan, NADRA, CDA, Ministry of IT and private sector also attended the meeting. Regular reviews will be held to monitor progress and improve public convenience.