ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has reaffirmed his government’s commitment to making Pakistan a fully digital, cashless economy, calling it essential for sustainable and transparent growth.
Chairing a meeting in Islamabad, he emphasized raising awareness, especially in rural areas, to phase out cash transactions and curb the informal economy. He said Pakistan must keep pace with global digitalization to remain competitive.
Highlighting progress, the Prime Minister noted that for the first time, Benazir Income Support Program payments were made digitally during Ramadan. He said the cashless shift would improve governance, enhance transparency, and reduce corruption.
Shehbaz Sharif directed departments to meet targets within deadlines and remove barriers to digital reform.
Officials reported key achievements, including QR code payments for utility bills, integration of Islamabad’s services app with the Raast payment system, and mandatory digital payments for new business licenses. Retail stores have also begun using QR-based transactions.
It was noted that 68 percent of Pakistan’s population is now financially included, and the Prime Minister urged efforts to expand access nationwide.
