Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has issued a directive to all government departments and institutions to incorporate QR codes on every bill issued to the public. This move aims to simplify payment processes and enhance convenience for citizens across the country. The announcement came during a high-level review meeting held in Islamabad, which focused on accelerating the adoption of a cashless economy in Pakistan.
During the session, the Prime Minister emphasized the importance of meeting the established deadlines for rolling out the digital payments infrastructure. He underlined that timely achievement of these targets is crucial for the broader economic strategy aimed at modernizing financial transactions nationwide. Shehbaz Sharif expressed his satisfaction with the efforts of the government’s economic team and the State Bank of Pakistan, particularly praising their work in promoting the digital payment platform known as RAAST.
The RAAST system has been instrumental in facilitating the direct transfer of salaries, pensions, and payments to vendors at both federal and provincial levels. The Prime Minister highlighted that this digital payment mechanism has streamlined financial operations and reduced reliance on cash transactions, which is a significant step toward transparency and efficiency. He also lauded the Ministry of Finance for successfully executing direct payments totaling 1.6 trillion rupees from July 2025 through January 2026, demonstrating the government’s commitment to leveraging technology for fiscal management.
In addition to financial transactions, Shehbaz Sharif commended the Benazir Income Support Programme (BISP) team for their effective distribution of relief funds. Under the Prime Minister’s Ramadan Relief Package, approximately seventy-one percent of eligible beneficiaries received timely assistance, showcasing the program’s reach and impact. This achievement reflects the government’s focus on social welfare through digitized payment channels, ensuring that aid reaches the intended recipients without delay.
The meeting also revealed that the number of Pakistanis utilizing digital banking services has now exceeded 127 million, indicating a significant shift in consumer behavior towards electronic financial solutions. Representatives from the Ministry of Finance, State Bank, BISP, Ministry of Information Technology, and other relevant bodies provided detailed updates on the ongoing initiatives to promote digital payments. They shared insights into the progress made and the challenges faced in expanding the digital ecosystem.
Furthermore, participants were briefed on the latest developments related to the digital payments dashboard, which monitors and analyzes transaction data across various platforms. This tool is designed to enhance transparency, track growth, and identify areas needing improvement within the digital payment landscape. The Prime Minister’s call for QR codes on all government bills is expected to further integrate digital payment methods into everyday transactions, making it easier for citizens to pay bills securely and efficiently.
Overall, this meeting underscored the government’s strategic focus on fostering a cashless economy by harnessing technology and digital infrastructure. The Prime Minister’s directives are aligned with Pakistan’s broader vision of financial inclusion and modernization, aiming to create a more accessible and accountable economic environment for all segments of society.
