The way Pakistanis handle their money is undergoing a dramatic transformation, with millions now opting to bank through their smartphones instead of visiting traditional branches. The State Bank of Pakistan has just published fresh data painting a vivid picture of this digital evolution, showing a sharp increase in mobile banking adoption across the country.
According to figures released by the SBP, the number of mobile banking users surged by an impressive 33% by the close of the third quarter of the current fiscal year, which ended on March 30, 2025. This brings the total count to 22.39 million active mobile banking users, a striking rise from 17.04 million recorded during the same period last year. This means that in just twelve months, over five million new customers have started managing their finances through their mobile phones.
The momentum isn’t limited to mobile banking alone. The SBP’s latest report on Pakistan’s digital financial services landscape also shows that internet banking users climbed to 14.13 million, reflecting a 24% growth from 11.44 million in the previous fiscal year. Taken together, these numbers underline a robust appetite for digital channels as more people integrate online financial tools into their daily routines.
Several factors are fueling this rapid shift. Analysts attribute much of this growth to Pakistan’s expanding digital infrastructure. As of June 2025, the country boasts over 198 million cellular subscribers and more than 200 million internet users. This deep connectivity is making it easier for people in urban centers and remote areas alike to access banking services straight from their handheld devices.
The SBP notes that the growing figures also indicate rising consumer confidence in digital financial platforms. With mobile apps offering round-the-clock access to services ranging from bill payments and money transfers to loan applications, more customers now see digital banking as not just a convenience, but a necessity. For many, it has become the primary way to handle everyday financial needs, cutting down trips to bank branches and reducing paperwork.
The central bank has been actively working to foster this trend, promoting digital financial inclusion through various initiatives aimed at broadening access to banking, especially among previously underserved segments. These efforts appear to be paying off, with Pakistan’s financial ecosystem seeing unprecedented engagement on mobile and online platforms.
Industry experts predict this upward trajectory is far from over. As fintech companies and banks continue to roll out innovative solutions and more user-friendly mobile apps, the number of people turning to digital banking is expected to climb even higher in the coming years. For anyone still weighing whether to embrace mobile banking, the data makes a strong case: Pakistan’s financial future is digital, and it’s gaining speed at a remarkable pace.