The payment landscape in Pakistan has marked a significant milestone with the official launch of a unified dual-interface payment solution. Habib Bank Limited, recognized as the largest issuer of debit cards in Pakistan, has officially introduced the HBL PayPak UnionPay Co-Badge Debit Card. The formal launch took place during a specialized ceremony held at the HBL Tower in Karachi. This new payment product represents a structural step forward in the national digital payment ecosystem, allowing local account holders to seamlessly access both domestic and international merchant networks through a single transaction tool.
Developed through a strategic three-way partnership, the new co-badge debit card brings together the resources of HBL, UnionPay International, and the 1Link-operated PayPak, which serves as the first domestic payment scheme of Pakistan. By combining the widespread domestic acceptance of PayPak with the extensive global reach of UnionPay, the dual-interface card places two distinct operational networks onto a single piece of plastic. Consequently, cardholders can execute secure, seamless retail and digital transactions whether they are shopping at local stores within Pakistan or traveling and purchasing from international vendors globally.
This latest collaboration builds directly upon the extensive history that HBL shares with both domestic and international payment providers. The financial institution was the pioneer partner for the initial launch of PayPak cards and continues to maintain its position as one of the largest issuers and acquirers of PayPak-branded cards across the country. Additionally, the bank has been actively issuing UnionPay debit cards to its consumer base since 2013, solidifying its operational relationship with the global payment and financial services giant established in China in 2002.
Beyond simple card issuance, the collaboration highlights the central role that China plays in the international growth strategy of HBL. As the only financial institution from Pakistan to operate functional branches in both Beijing and Urumqi, the bank continues to play a vital role in enhancing financial and corporate connectivity between Pakistan and China. The institution has participated in key regional milestones, ranging from facilitating the debut Panda Bond issuance of Pakistan to being nominated as the Chair of the Council of the Interbank Consortium of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation for the upcoming 2026 to 2027 term. These efforts have allowed the bank to steadily deepen its presence within the Chinese financial ecosystem.
Furthermore, the introduction of this co-badged card aligns closely with the strategic vision of the State Bank of Pakistan. The central bank has consistently advocated for the expansion of PayPak as a secure, inclusive, and highly interoperable digital payment ecosystem designed to reduce the national reliance on cash. By pairing the domestic scheme with an international partner, the initiative provides consumers with global utility while ensuring that local transaction processing remains anchored within the domestic payment infrastructure.
The high-profile launch ceremony in Karachi brought together prominent leaders from across the financial, regulatory, and diplomatic sectors. Among the key attendees were Jameel Ahmad, the Governor of the State Bank of Pakistan, and Muhammad Nassir Salim, the President and Chief Executive Officer of HBL. The event was also attended by Li Yong, the Commercial Counsellor of the People’s Republic of China, alongside Aamir Kureshi, the General Manager of the President’s Office and Strategic Initiatives at HBL. Representing the technological and network partners were Nadeem Haroon, the Country Head for Pakistan, Qatar, Bahrain, and Afghanistan at UnionPay International, and Najeeb Agrawalla, the Chief Executive Officer of 1LINK, all of whom expressed mutual commitment to driving digital financial inclusion across the region.
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