In a significant development for Pakistan’s digital payments landscape, Allied Bank Limited (ABL), in collaboration with UnionPay International (UPI) and Paysys Labs, has launched a secure and seamless Mobile Tap-and-Pay functionality on UPI-PayPak Co-Badge Debit Cards. This initiative marks a major milestone in enhancing convenience, speed, and transaction security for cardholders, making it easier for users to conduct contactless payments through tokenized digital technology.
The launch ceremony, held at the Paysys Labs Head Office in Karachi, brought together senior executives and stakeholders from all three organizations. The event underscored the collective commitment to advancing Pakistan’s digital economy through secure and accessible financial technology.
As one of the country’s leading issuers of UPI-PayPak Co-Badge debit cards, Allied Bank now empowers its customers with the ability to make Mobile Tap-and-Pay transactions using their smartphones. The implementation of tokenization technology ensures that cardholder data is never exposed during the payment process. Instead, sensitive information is replaced by unique, encrypted tokens that reduce the risk of fraud and unauthorized access.
Mr. Muhammad Kamran Zeb, Group Head Cards & Acquiring Business at Allied Bank, emphasized the importance of this step in modernizing the payment experience. “This partnership marks a pivotal step forward in Pakistan’s digital payment ecosystem. By adopting tokenization technology, Allied Bank reaffirms its commitment to innovation and customer-centric solutions,” he noted during the launch.
UnionPay International, known for its global footprint and expansive reach, plays a vital role in this collaboration. Mr. Nadeem Haroon, Country Head UPI Pakistan, remarked, “UnionPay International is proud to support Pakistan’s digital transformation journey. With HCE tokenization technology, we are enabling a safer and more efficient payment environment for customers.”
Paysys Labs, a local leader in payment systems innovation, was instrumental in developing and deploying the tokenization infrastructure for this project. CEO Karim Jindani expressed optimism about the broader implications of this deployment. “At Paysys Labs, we are dedicated to empowering digital payment systems with the latest technologies. This collaboration will elevate the payment experience for users while ensuring the highest standards of security,” he stated.
This tripartite initiative is particularly timely, as Pakistan experiences rapid growth in mobile payment adoption and increasing demand for cashless transaction options. Allied Bank’s extensive branch and ATM network, combined with UPI’s international capabilities and Paysys Labs’ local tech expertise, offers a strong foundation to scale this service nationally.
The integration of tokenization into mobile payments not only enhances transaction security but also aligns with global banking standards. It encourages broader consumer trust in digital transactions while offering a convenient, contactless alternative for everyday purchases.
This launch serves as a benchmark for future innovation in Pakistan’s financial services sector. As regulatory frameworks and consumer behavior continue evolving, partnerships like this highlight the path forward—driven by collaboration, security, and a shared vision for a digital-first economy.