Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Friday directed authorities to prepare a clear roadmap and time-bound targets for a 100 per cent digital payments system in Pakistan, according to a statement by the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO).
He gave the directive while chairing a high-level meeting in Islamabad on promoting a cashless economy. He instructed officials to resolve users’ problems in the digital payments system immediately and to ensure internet access and easy access to technology across the country.
The prime minister said promoting a cashless economy was a top government priority and that results were already emerging. He commended the efforts of the Ministry of Finance and other state institutions, and described Raast QR code payments as instrumental in achieving the government’s vision.
He directed that the scheme promoting digital payments between consumers and merchants through Raast QR codes continue under government patronage.
He also ordered a media campaign encouraging electricity and gas consumers to pay through the QR codes printed on their bills, and instructed all ministries and government institutions to fully implement the cashless economy plan.
The meeting was briefed that digitisation of payments in federal and provincial government institutions was progressing rapidly, with payments in most institutions to be fully digitised by December 2026. All payments under the Benazir Income Support Programme are already made through digital wallets.
Work is underway on a modern digital payment system for areas without internet access, and on infrastructure to provide internet across the country.
The briefing also stated that cheque-based payments through the Asaan Assignment Account will be discontinued from November 15 and replaced by the Raast digital system nationwide. Drawing and disbursing officers have already been trained for the change.
PM Shehbaz formed a high-level committee to promote a cashless economy in June last year. In July this year, he directed that remittances from abroad be fully digitised.
