Karachi, Pakistan – In a move to strengthen digital financial inclusion and promote a more modern, cashless economy, the State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) has officially launched a nationwide campaign titled “Go Cashless” ahead of Eid-ul-Azha. This initiative aims to encourage the use of digital payments in cattle markets across the country during one of Pakistan’s most significant religious festivals.
Launched on May 20, 2025, the campaign will continue until June 6, 2025, or the night of Eid. SBP is collaborating with banks and financial institutions nationwide to facilitate and simplify digital transactions for both buyers and sellers in 54 designated cattle markets throughout Pakistan. The campaign is a strategic continuation of SBP’s broader goal to transition Pakistan toward a more digitally empowered and financially inclusive future.
The “Go Cashless” campaign focuses specifically on reducing the dependence on physical cash for transactions related to the Eid-ul-Azha livestock trade. These include the purchase of sacrificial animals, as well as payments for essential services such as water, animal feed, and parking within cattle markets. By digitizing these financial interactions, the initiative seeks to bring ease, transparency, and security to millions of consumers and merchants during this busy period.
Building on the positive reception of last year’s efforts, SBP aims to scale the impact of digital adoption by extending support and removing certain transactional barriers. To facilitate this transition, the central bank has introduced temporary enhancements to digital banking transaction limits, effective from May 19 to June 15, 2025. These updates are designed to accommodate the increased financial activity expected during the Eid season.
Specifically, for Branchless Banking Level-1 Accounts, Asaan Accounts, Asaan Digital Accounts, and Merchant Accounts, SBP has removed daily transaction limits. In addition, the monthly transaction limit has been significantly increased to PKR 5,000,000. This temporary policy change is intended to provide both merchants and buyers with greater flexibility and ease when conducting high-volume transactions digitally.
Through this campaign, SBP is sending a clear message: digital payments are not only a safe and convenient alternative to cash but are also a necessary step toward a more transparent and inclusive financial system. By encouraging citizens to opt for digital channels during Eid-ul-Azha, the central bank hopes to reduce the circulation of physical cash, which often leads to inefficiencies, fraud, and untracked transactions.
The public is being urged to actively participate in the “Go Cashless” campaign and leverage the expanded digital financial services available during this festive period. Whether through mobile wallets, QR payments, or other branchless banking platforms, users now have a variety of secure, accessible tools to manage their Eid-related expenditures with greater confidence and efficiency.
As Pakistan continues its journey toward a digital economy, initiatives like this reflect a significant shift in how everyday financial transactions are conducted. With the support of the banking sector and growing public awareness, the “Go Cashless” campaign stands as a milestone in the SBP’s vision of a connected, cashless future.