Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has directed government authorities to prepare a clear roadmap with time-bound targets for establishing a 100 per cent digital payments system across Pakistan as part of the government’s efforts to promote a cashless economy. The directive was issued during a high-level meeting chaired by the prime minister in Islamabad on November 6, 2026, to review progress on the country’s transition towards digital financial transactions. According to a statement issued by the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO), Shehbaz Sharif stressed that relevant institutions must develop a structured implementation plan and address the difficulties currently faced by users of digital payment services. He also emphasised that nationwide internet availability and affordable access to technology would be necessary to expand digital transactions across different segments of society.
During the meeting, the prime minister said the government considered the promotion of a cashless economy one of its major priorities and believed that ongoing initiatives were beginning to produce positive results. He appreciated the efforts of the Ministry of Finance and other relevant state institutions in advancing the digital payments agenda. However, he directed officials to ensure that problems affecting users of digital payment systems were resolved without delay. He also highlighted the importance of making technology accessible to the general public, noting that a nationwide transition towards electronic transactions would require reliable internet connectivity and suitable digital infrastructure. The government’s approach, according to the PMO statement, involves expanding the use of digital payment channels while improving the convenience and accessibility of financial services.
The prime minister specifically highlighted the role of Raast QR codes in supporting the government’s cashless economy objectives. Raast, Pakistan’s instant payment system, is being used to facilitate digital transactions, including payments between consumers and merchants. Shehbaz Sharif directed the continuation of the government-supported initiative promoting the use of Raast QR codes for commercial transactions. He also instructed authorities to launch an effective media campaign encouraging electricity and gas consumers to pay their utility bills through QR codes printed on their bills. The campaign is intended to increase public awareness and encourage households to adopt digital payment methods for routine financial obligations rather than relying on conventional cash-based or cheque-based transactions.
The prime minister further directed all federal ministries and government institutions to ensure full implementation of the government’s cashless economy plan. During the meeting, officials briefed participants on the progress of payment digitisation across federal and provincial government departments. According to the PMO, work was progressing rapidly, with most government institutions expected to have their payment systems fully digitised by December 2026. The transition is intended to reduce dependence on traditional payment methods, improve transaction records and support greater transparency in the handling of public funds. The digitisation of government payments is also expected to make financial processes more accessible and efficient for individuals and organisations dealing with public institutions.
The briefing also highlighted progress in the digitisation of payments under the Benazir Income Support Programme (BISP). Officials informed the meeting that 100 per cent of BISP payments were being made through digital wallets. The development represents an important part of the government’s efforts to shift public disbursements towards electronic channels. Digital wallets can provide beneficiaries with alternative ways to receive financial assistance and conduct transactions without depending entirely on traditional cash distribution arrangements. However, officials also acknowledged the need to develop suitable payment infrastructure for regions where internet connectivity remains unavailable or limited. Work is therefore underway to introduce a modern digital payment system for areas without internet access, while efforts to expand connectivity across the country continue.
Another significant change discussed during the meeting concerns payments made through Asaan Assignment Accounts. According to the PMO, cheque-based payments through these accounts will be discontinued from November 15, 2026, and replaced with payments through the Raast digital system across Pakistan. The briefing stated that drawing and disbursing officers had already received training to support the transition. The move is intended to bring another category of government payments into the country’s digital financial infrastructure and reduce reliance on paper-based transactions. The training of relevant officials is expected to support the implementation process across government departments responsible for handling these payments.
The government’s wider cashless economy initiative is also connected to its efforts to strengthen the country’s financial system through broader economic and administrative reforms. The federal government has identified improvements in the tax system, greater efficiency within the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR), the promotion of electronic transactions and the use of modern technology as important components of its reform agenda. Digital payments can help create electronic transaction records and support the documentation of economic activity, while reducing dependence on cash-based exchanges. The government has repeatedly highlighted transparency as one of the reasons for expanding digital financial channels across public and private sector transactions.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has previously taken several steps to advance the cashless economy programme. A high-level committee was formed in June 2025 to coordinate efforts aimed at promoting digital transactions and reducing the use of cash. In July 2026, the prime minister also directed that remittances from abroad be fully digitised as part of the broader initiative. These measures reflect the government’s intention to extend electronic payment arrangements beyond routine retail transactions to government disbursements, utility bills and overseas remittance channels.
The latest directives place particular emphasis on implementation deadlines, public access to technology and the expansion of digital payment infrastructure. With most government institutions expected to digitise their payments by December 2026 and cheque-based Asaan Assignment Account payments scheduled to shift to Raast from November 15, the coming weeks will be important for the execution of the announced measures. Achieving the government’s 100 per cent digital payments target will also depend on addressing connectivity gaps, improving payment system reliability and ensuring that individuals across urban and rural areas can access the required technology.
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