Pakistan’s federal government has directed all public sector institutions to introduce QR codes on every bill as part of a wider effort to accelerate the country’s transition toward a cashless economy. The move is aimed at simplifying payment processes for citizens while encouraging the adoption of digital transactions across government services.
The directive was issued on the instructions of Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif during a review meeting held in Islamabad to assess progress on initiatives promoting digital payments nationwide. The meeting focused on expanding digital financial infrastructure and increasing the use of electronic payment systems across public institutions.
Under the new directive, government departments will be required to integrate QR codes into billing systems, allowing citizens to make payments instantly using mobile banking applications and digital wallets. The initiative is intended to improve payment convenience while supporting the government’s broader objective of reducing reliance on cash-based transactions.
Officials at the meeting highlighted that clear targets have been set for the digital payments ecosystem, with government institutions expected to achieve these objectives within a defined timeframe. The policy underscores the administration’s commitment to strengthening financial digitization and creating a modern payments framework that supports transparency, efficiency, and faster service delivery.
Addressing the meeting, the prime minister appreciated the efforts of the government’s economic team as well as the State Bank of Pakistan for their role in promoting digital transactions through the Raast instant payment system. Raast has been used to facilitate electronic payments for salaries, pensions, and vendor payments at both federal and provincial government levels, contributing to the wider adoption of digital financial services.
The prime minister also acknowledged the Ministry of Finance for enabling large-scale digital payments through government platforms. According to officials, federal and provincial governments processed direct payments totaling Rs1.6 trillion between July 2025 and January 2026 through digital channels.
This shift toward electronic transactions reflects the government’s broader strategy to digitize financial flows within the public sector, reducing dependency on manual processes while improving accountability in government spending.
During the meeting, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif also commended the team of the Benazir Income Support Programme for its role in delivering financial assistance through digital channels. The programme successfully provided relief funds to 71 percent of eligible beneficiaries under the Prime Minister’s Ramadan Relief Package, highlighting the growing role of digital payment systems in social welfare distribution.
Officials informed the meeting that the number of individuals benefiting from digital banking services in Pakistan has now exceeded 127 million. The increase reflects the expanding reach of mobile banking platforms, branchless banking services, and instant payment systems that are gradually transforming how citizens access financial services.
Participants at the meeting were briefed on ongoing initiatives led by the Ministry of Finance, the State Bank of Pakistan, the Benazir Income Support Programme, and the Ministry of Information Technology. These institutions are working together to strengthen Pakistan’s digital payments ecosystem through policy reforms, financial infrastructure development, and technology integration.
A detailed presentation was also delivered on the digital payments ecosystem dashboard, which tracks key indicators related to electronic transactions, digital banking adoption, and the performance of payment platforms. The dashboard is intended to provide policymakers with real-time insights into the progress of financial digitization initiatives across the country.
The introduction of QR codes on government bills is expected to further accelerate the use of mobile payment services by enabling citizens to complete transactions quickly through scanning technology. By linking billing systems with digital payment networks, authorities aim to create a seamless payment experience while expanding the country’s digital financial landscape.
The government believes that strengthening digital payment infrastructure will support economic transparency, improve efficiency in public service delivery, and expand financial inclusion for millions of Pakistanis who are increasingly adopting digital banking solutions.
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