Pakistan pushes cashless economy, digital financial inclusion

Minister of State for Railways and Finance Bilal Azhar Kayani reaffirmed the government's commitment to a cashless economy and digital financial inclusion during a high-level meeting with JS Bank and Zindigi leadership at the Finance Division on Monday.

Both sides discussed strategies to expand digital financial services nationwide.

What did Kayani discuss with JS Bank and Zindigi?

Kayani met a delegation led by JS Bank President and CEO Basir Shamsie, along with Zindigi Chief Officer Noman Azhar and Chief Business Officer Atif Ishaque, to discuss strategies for expanding digital financial services. The meeting focused on supporting Pakistan's transition towards a digitally enabled, cashless economy.

The delegation welcomed the government's policy initiatives promoting cashless business models and encouraging wider adoption of formal financial services across sectors.

What did Kayani say about public-private partnerships?

Kayani underscored the importance of public-private partnerships in advancing the digital payments ecosystem. He said Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif was personally overseeing efforts to promote a cashless economy, with significant progress made over the past year. He added that the government remained committed to improving transparency, enhancing public convenience and accelerating the documentation of the economy through wider adoption of digital payments.

What did both sides agree to going forward?

Both sides reaffirmed their commitment to continued cooperation to expand digital financial services, strengthen digital infrastructure and promote cashless solutions nationwide. The meeting reflects Pakistan's broader push toward reducing cash dependence across the formal economy. It also signals continued engagement between government and private financial institutions on the country's digital transformation agenda.