Pakistan targets 100% digital payments, government cheques to end November 15
ISLAMABAD (Agencies): Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has directed relevant authorities to develop a time-bound roadmap for establishing a 100% digital payment system across Pakistan, as the government accelerates efforts to transition towards a cashless economy.
Chairing a high-level meeting on Friday, the prime minister instructed ministries and relevant institutions to set clear targets and resolve consumer complaints associated with digital payment systems.
According to an official statement, the government plans to complete the digitisation of payments across most federal and provincial institutions by December 2026.
A major step in this direction will take effect on November 16, when payments through Easy Assignment Accounts will shift entirely to the Raast digital payment system. Payments through cheques under these accounts will be discontinued from November 15.
The meeting was informed that District Drawing and Disbursing Officers (DDOs) had already received training to facilitate the transition.
The prime minister also directed authorities to ensure wider internet access and affordable access to technology, acknowledging their importance in expanding digital financial services nationwide.
He called for continued government support for the Raast QR Code initiative, which facilitates digital transactions between consumers and merchants.
The prime minister further instructed authorities to launch an effective media campaign encouraging electricity and gas consumers to pay their utility bills through QR codes printed on the bills.
The meeting was informed that the Benazir Income Support Programme was already making 100% of its payments through digital wallets.
Work is also underway to introduce alternative digital payment arrangements for areas without internet connectivity, while infrastructure development is being accelerated to expand nationwide internet coverage.
Shehbaz Sharif described the promotion of a cashless economy as one of the government’s key priorities and appreciated the efforts of the Finance Ministry and other state institutions.
He directed all federal ministries and public-sector organisations to ensure full implementation of the government’s cashless economy plan.
Federal ministers Muhammad Aurangzeb, Shaza Fatima Khawaja, Attaullah Tarar, Junaid Anwar Chaudhry, Ali Pervaiz Malik and Sardar Awais Leghari, Adviser Rana Sanaullah, State Minister for Finance Bilal Azhar Kiani and State Bank Governor Jameel Ahmad attended the meeting, along with provincial chief secretaries and senior officials.