SBP Q1 FY26 Payment Systems Review Highlights Surge in Digital and Mobile Payments
The State Bank of Pakistan has released its first Quarterly Payment Systems Review for FY26, reporting strong growth in digital, mobile app-based and Raast payments, reflecting Pakistan’s accelerating shift toward a digitally enabled payments ecosystem.
Digital Payments Expand in Pakistan, Yet Cash Reliance Remains High: PwC Banking Report 2025
Pakistan’s shift toward a cashless economy is gaining momentum, driven by Raast and QR payments, but digital adoption continues to lag regional peers due to structural constraints and heavy cash reliance, according to PwC Pakistan’s Banking Publication 2025.
Pakistan’s EMIs and the Arithmetic of Payments
Pakistan’s electronic money institutions face structural challenges in a rapidly digitising retail payments ecosystem. High transaction volumes, low wallet retention, and competition from branchless banking and Raast’s instant rails are shaping the survival and consolidation of EMIs, highlighting the intersection of technology, regulation, and financial incentives.
F3: Trust Deficit in a Youth-Driven Economy: Why Pakistan’s Next Generation Still Fears Digital Payments
Despite being digitally savvy, Pakistan’s youth remain hesitant to adopt digital payments due to trust issues, household influence, fear of loss, inconsistent merchant practices, and limited financial awareness. Addressing these barriers is essential for accelerating the country’s transition to a youth-driven digital economy.
NBP Launches Raast P2M QR Payments to Promote Digital Transactions in Pakistan
National Bank of Pakistan introduces Raast Person-to-Merchant (P2M) QR payments, empowering merchants nationwide to accept secure, instant, and transparent digital payments, driving Pakistan’s cashless economy forward.
PayFast Launches Rah-e-Raast Doorstep QR Payments as It Celebrates 8 Years
PayFast celebrates eight years of growth with the launch of Rah-e-Raast, Pakistan’s first QR-based payment solution for doorstep deliveries, supporting the shift toward a cashless economy.
1LINK Earns Mastercard Certification, Strengthening Pakistan’s Card Payment Ecosystem
1LINK Personalization Bureau receives Mastercard Personalization Certification, enhancing secure card issuance, supporting PayPak and Mastercard cards, and driving Pakistan’s digital payments growth.
NIBAF Pakistan Conducts RAAST Integration and Regulatory Compliance Training
NIBAF Pakistan organized a two-day training in Karachi on RAAST integration governance, STP, and regulatory compliance to strengthen digital payment capabilities of banks and SBP officers.
Pakistan’s RAAST Processes Rs80 Trillion in Transactions, User Base Crosses 48 Million
Pakistan’s instant payment system RAAST has processed over Rs80 trillion through more than 3 billion transactions since launch, as the Prime Minister calls for faster adoption to strengthen financial inclusion and a cashless economy.
Pakistan Accelerates Cashless Economy Drive with Ant Group, Easypaisa Talks on Digital Payments and Financial Inclusion
The Government of Pakistan reviews progress on its national digitization agenda with Ant Group and Easypaisa, focusing on digital payments, financial inclusion, fintech innovation, and a transition to a cashless economy.