Pakistan targets 100% digital payments as PM seeks roadmap

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Friday directed authorities to develop a roadmap with clear timelines and targets for achieving 100% digital payments across Pakistan as the government stepped up efforts to promote a cashless economy.

Chairing a high-level meeting on digital payments, Sharif said the transition was among the government's top priorities and that initial positive results were beginning to emerge.

What is the government's roadmap for digital payments?

Sharif directed officials to prepare a comprehensive plan with specific deadlines and targets for moving payments nationwide to digital channels. He commended the Finance Ministry and other state institutions for their progress and instructed all ministries and government departments to ensure full implementation of the cashless economy initiative.

Officials briefed the meeting that efforts to digitize payments across federal and provincial government institutions were progressing rapidly, with most departments expected to complete the transition by December 2026.

How will digital payments be expanded?

The prime minister directed authorities to immediately address problems faced by consumers using digital payment services and ensure wider internet connectivity and easier access to technology across the country.

He also instructed officials to continue promoting transactions between consumers and merchants through the government's support for Raast QR code payments.

Sharif called for an effective media campaign to encourage electricity and gas consumers to pay their utility bills by scanning QR codes printed on their bills.

Officials informed the meeting that a payment mechanism was being developed to allow digital transactions in areas without internet connectivity, while work to expand the country's internet infrastructure was continuing.

The meeting was also told that all payments under the Benazir Income Support Programme (BISP) were being made through digital wallets.

When will government payments shift to Raast?

Officials said check-based payments through the Asaan Assignment Accounts system would be discontinued from November 15.

Beginning November 16, all payments through these accounts nationwide will be processed digitally through Raast, Pakistan's instant payment system.

Drawing and Disbursing Officers (DDOs), who oversee government payments, have already received training to facilitate the transition, according to the briefing.