Pakistan’s Digital Rupee in 2025: Between Promise, Risk, and Japan’s Soramitsu Experiment
Pakistan prepares to pilot its digital rupee in partnership with Japan’s Soramitsu, exploring trust, inclusion, and Shariah compliance. Lessons from China, India, and Nigeria highlight both opportunities and risks for Pakistan’s CBDC journey.
Cash Meets Its Match: Why Pakistan’s Digital Banking Future Will Be Won (Or Lost) At The Kiryana Counter
Pakistan’s digital banking revolution hinges on adoption at the kiryana counter. From Raast’s rapid growth to new regulations, digital banks, and financial inclusion tools, the battle for trust and convenience will determine whether cash finally gives way to real-time payments.
Digital Dividends or Digital Drains? Pakistan’s Uneven E-Banking Journey
A 16-year study of Pakistan’s banking sector reveals that ATMs remain profitable while mobile and e-commerce channels struggle to deliver returns, highlighting that trust, usability, and sequencing are essential for a successful digital banking transition.
A Game of Corridors: Pakistan at the Crossroads of Geoeconomics
Pakistan is reshaping its geoeconomic strategy, moving beyond reliance on China’s CPEC to diversify trade and investment through partnerships with the US, Gulf states, Turkey, Central Asia, and Bangladesh. This shift signals a new chapter in how Islamabad aims to convert geography into long-term prosperity.
After the Fire: Pakistan’s Markets in the Summer of Wars
In the summer of 2025, wars in South Asia and the Middle East battered Pakistan’s markets. From a currency slump to oil price shocks, the economy endured turbulence but managed to stabilize. The story of survival, not prosperity, defined these months.
The Mirage of Moderation: Pakistan’s Inflation Story
Pakistan’s official inflation data shows a sharp slowdown, but for households struggling with food, fuel, and utility costs, the relief feels like an illusion. Disinflation hides a deeper crisis in measurement, policy, and lived experience.
Revenue Without Return: The Taxpayer’s Alibi in Pakistan’s Fiscal Crisis
Pakistan’s tax crisis is less about unwilling taxpayers and more about state inefficiency, debt-driven governance, and misuse of resources. Despite record collections, citizens see little return for their contributions, leaving the fiscal system strained and trust eroded.
Counting What Counts: Pakistan’s First Digital Economic Census
The Securities and Exchange Commission of Pakistan (SECP) has introduced new requirements for Digital Asset Management Companies (Digital AMCs) to offer Digital Asset Management Services (DAMS), setting conditions for licensing, digital platforms, and operational standards.
Understanding Pakistan’s Federal Budget: The Role of IMF Borrowing in Economic Strategy
Pakistan’s federal budget reflects a deep reliance on IMF programs, shaping fiscal priorities, debt management, and future growth strategies. Understanding the role of IMF borrowing is crucial to assessing the country’s economic path.
Raast at the Crossroads: Paving Pakistan’s Path to a Cashless Future
Raast, Pakistan’s real-time digital payment system launched by the State Bank, stands at a defining moment as it pushes the nation toward a cashless economy. With new leadership, growing adoption, and integration across fintechs, the platform is set to reshape financial inclusion, remittances, and economic transparency.