Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Friday directed authorities to prepare a clear roadmap and time-bound targets for establishing a 100 percent digital payments system in Pakistan, according to a Prime Minister’s Office statement after a high-level meeting in Islamabad on promoting a cashless economy.
He said problems faced by users of digital payments should be resolved immediately, and that nationwide internet access and easier public access to technology must be ensured. He directed that the Raast QR-code scheme for consumer–merchant payments continue under government patronage, and called for a media campaign to encourage electricity and gas consumers to pay bills via QR codes printed on utility bills. All ministries were told to fully implement the cashless plan.
Officials briefed that digitisation of payments in federal and provincial institutions is advancing rapidly, with most expected to be fully digital by December 2026. All Benazir Income Support Programme payments are already made through digital wallets. Cheque-based payments through Asaan Assignment Accounts will be discontinued from 15 November and replaced nationwide by the Raast digital system; drawing and disbursing officers have already been trained.