The Government of Pakistan has ordered an independent audit of its nationwide cashless economy initiative in an effort to reinforce transparency, improve financial governance, and strengthen confidence in the digital payment ecosystem. This step marks a significant phase in the country’s broader digital transformation strategy, reflecting the administration’s resolve to evaluate the initiative’s impact, design, and governance structures with objective oversight.
This audit directive aligns with the state’s long-term vision to accelerate the transition from cash-based transactions to secure digital payments across public and private sectors. The program remains directly supervised by the Prime Minister and is a core component of the government’s mission to improve service delivery, enhance financial inclusion frameworks, and reduce inefficiencies in public financial flows. The examination will focus on gauging progress, operational efficiency, and real-world effectiveness of infrastructure and policy measures introduced under the initiative.
A key pillar of the government’s digital ecosystem strategy is the development of Digital Public Infrastructure, built to facilitate seamless online transactions through the RAAST instant payment system. Additionally, work is underway to establish a national data exchange layer and a unified digital identity authentication model using single-sign-on credentials. These components aim to create an integrated digital environment where citizens and businesses can transact, verify, and interact with public services electronically in a secure and efficient manner.
To support digital adoption among merchants nationwide, the state has begun deploying QR-based payment solutions, lowering merchant service charges, and reducing duties on digital payment devices and associated hardware. These incentives are designed to increase acceptance of non-cash transactions, particularly among micro and small-scale merchants, while expanding financial access in both urban and underserved regions.
A senior government representative emphasized that the initiative represents a shift toward a transparent and inclusive digital economic landscape. The official described the program as transformative, highlighting its role in building trust, curbing leakage in public funds, and fostering broader economic participation through technology-enabled transaction channels.
In addition, the government has removed Right-of-Way fees for telecom operators to accelerate fiber-optic network deployment and improve nationwide connectivity. Key entities including Pakistan Railways, the National Highway Authority, and the Capital Development Authority have already adopted the zero-fee model, with provincial administrations expected to implement the policy shortly. Enhanced digital connectivity is seen as essential for powering cloud services, real-time payments, and digital public services.
The overall progress of the cashless economy program is being monitored by a steering committee chaired by the Prime Minister, supported by three specialized working groups dedicated to digitizing government payments, advancing digital payment innovation, and strengthening national digital infrastructure.
To ensure an unbiased and results-oriented evaluation, the state will engage an international consulting firm through a competitive bidding process. This firm will conduct a comprehensive review of program execution and recommend refinements to enhance efficiency, scalability, and citizen adoption.
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