PM directs measures to boost digital payments, promote cashless economy

ISLAMABAD: The Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has directed the government to take immediate steps to make digital transactions easier and more affordable in a bid to promote a cashless economy in the country.
Chairing a high-level meeting in Islamabad, the Prime Minister ordered the formation of three dedicated committees: (i) Digital Payments Innovation and Adoption Committee ;(ii) Digital Public Infrastructure Committee ; and (iii) Government Payments Committee.
These committees will be tasked with recommending ways to facilitate seamless transactions between the public and businesses, and between the public and government institutions. They will also work to raise awareness about digital financial systems, activate the Pakistan Digital Authority, and prepare a National Digital Master Plan.
Underscoring the importance of transparency in financial systems, the Prime Minister emphasized that establishing a robust digital transaction infrastructure is essential for strengthening the economy. He instructed authorities to roll out the Raast Digital Payment System at both federal and provincial levels and called for all transactions between the public and private sectors to be made cashless.
The meeting reviewed the progress of Pakistan’s shift toward digital payments. It was informed that over 40 million users are currently utilizing the Raast platform, with efforts underway to expand its reach further.
Officials also briefed the Prime Minister on the Smart Islamabad Pilot Project, under which the Ministry of Information Technology is working to transform the federal capital into Pakistan’s first cashless city. Ends