Digital payments: Pakistan PM forms three high-powered panels
The new committees – the Digital Payments Innovation and Adoption Committee, the Digital Public Infrastructure Committee, and the Government Payments Committee – have been tasked with crafting policy to accelerate digital transactions between citizens, businesses and the state, while also activating the long-dormant Pakistan Digital Authority and drafting a national digital master plan.
The prime minister, while chairing a high-level meeting, said that shifting from cash to digital was not optional but essential for a transparent economy.
PM forms body to promote cashless economy, digitization
'The developed nations are racing ahead with cashless systems. Pakistan can't afford to be left behind,' he added.
In a significant directive, Sharif ordered the expansion of the RAAST digital payment system from the federal level to all provinces.
'A digital transaction ecosystem is the backbone of a modern economy,' he said, stressing those digital payments must become more affordable and accessible than cash to win public trust.
The officials briefed the prime minister that over 40 million users are currently on RAAST, Pakistan's flagship digital payment rail, with all federal financial transactions already routed through the system. Steps are underway to bring provincial governments onboard.
The prime minister also signalled a pivot in government policy, ordering that all transactions between public and private sectors be moved to a cashless model – a potentially sweeping change for a largely informal economy.
The meeting was told that the Digital Public Infrastructure Committee will operate under the Ministry of IT, while the Cashless Pakistan Steering Committee has been formed under the Prime Minister's Secretariat.
In a bold pilot move, the meeting was informed that the Ministry of IT plans to make Islamabad Pakistan's first fully cashless city under the Smart Islamabad project – a digital litmus test for the rest of the country.
Sharif emphasised that channelling funds through formal banking systems could help finance development projects and attract investor confidence. The inclusion of fintech in the broader ecosystem was also highlighted as a strategic pillar.
The meeting was attended by key members of Sharif's cabinet, including ministers for economic affairs, IT, petroleum, and climate change, along with the governor of the State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) and heads of major regulatory bodies.
Copyright Business Recorder, 2025
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Business Recorder
4 hours ago
- Business Recorder
Govt prioritising shift to digital, cashless economy: PM Shehbaz
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Sunday said that the government is working on a priority basis to digitise the economy and transition the transaction system to a cashless and digital model. PM Shehbaz stated this while presiding a review meeting on cashless and digital economy in Islamabad. The prime minister expressed satisfaction over the steps taken and progress made toward a cashless economy. 'The government is working to change the buying and selling system to a cashless system,' he said. Digital payments thriving in Pakistan: Q3 sees 2bn transactions: SBP He instructed all the chief secretaries to fully cooperate with the federal government in taking the Raast system to the district government level. The meeting was briefed on the progress of initiatives toward a cashless economy. According to the briefing, digital IDs will be created through Pakistan Digital Public Infrastructure, which will include each individual's national identity card, biometric data, and mobile phone numbers. These digital IDs will be used for digital payments, the briefing added. The briefing also stated that provincial governments have made significant progress in linking public-to-government and government-to-public payment systems with Raast. Regarding the development of digital infrastructure, the federal development authority has granted right of way for fiber connectivity, while discussions with Pakistan Railways and the National Highway Authority in this regard are ongoing. The meeting was attended by Federal Minister for Finance & Revenue Muhammad Aurangzeb, Federal Minister for Economic Affairs Ahsan Iqbal Cheema, Federal Minister for Information & Broadcasting Attaullah Tarar, Federal Minister for IT & Telecom Shaza Fatima Khawaja, Federal Minister for Petroleum Ali Pervaiz Malik, Prime Minister's Advisor Dr Tauqir Shah, Minister of State for Finance & Railways Bilal Azhar Kayani, and other senior government officials.
Express Tribune
14 hours ago
- Express Tribune
Locals in Balochistan helping identify terrorists: DG ISPR
The chief military spokesperson said on Saturday that residents in Balochistan are increasingly providing information on terrorists and their facilitators, a move he called critical to the success of counterterrorism operations in the restive province. Lt Gen Ahmed Sharif, Director General of the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), told students in a special session of the army's internship programme that intelligence-based operations (IBOs) rely heavily on local cooperation. "We don't conduct sweeping operations unless locals support us by identifying threats. Military presence alone doesn't secure an area – local ownership is the key," he said in a candid discussion with the students, where he addressed questions surrounding military operations, regional concerns, and national unity. "If a citizen provides shelter to terrorists or keeps explosives in his house, he will have to face the consequences," Lt Gen Sharif said while dispelling the impression that military operations target communities. "The entire region or village cannot be punished for the terrorism of one person," he added. "Our operations are not about displacing communities or punishing entire regions. We only move against confirmed terrorists based on solid intelligence." He said security forces were working to expose not only terrorists but also their facilitators and supporters. "The people of Balochistan are standing up against terrorism and pointing out those who harbour or facilitate terrorists," Lt Gen Sharif added. Balochistan, which borders Iran and Afghanistan, has been plagued by a decades-long Baloch separatist insurgency as well as attacks by religious extremists. The province has seen frequent assaults on security forces, government installations, and Chinese-backed projects. The military spokesperson praised the people of Balochistan for what he described as growing resistance to terrorist groups, saying many were "helpless and fed up with the terrorists." He cited the examples of young Baloch professionals, including female deputy commissioners, as signs of progress. He specially mentioned Dr Samad Yar Jang, a Cambridge-trained scientist, and Shahzaib Rind, Pakistani Wushu and Kickboxing champion, known for his success in Karate Combat. He added that Baloch women now serve in senior administrative positions, such as deputy commissioners, which he said symbolise progress and empowerment. The talented and educated Baloch youth has become the masters of its destiny, he added. "There's a common misconception that Baloch youth are disconnected from Pakistan. In reality, they understand the bond between their province and the nation very well," the military spokesperson said. Lt Gen Sharif also paid tribute to Major Muhammad Anwar Kakar, an officer martyred in a bomb attack in Balochistan. Major Kakar Shaheed, a brave son of the soil, had previously played a key role in repelling an attack on the PC Hotel in Gwadar in 2019, he added. "From officers to civilians, sacrifices are being made every day to keep Pakistan secure." Referring to the ideological roots of Pakistan, Lt Gen Sharif said that Pakistan was created on the basis of "Kalima" not on ethnic or linguistic lines. "The Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) has taught us that no race or ethnicity is superior to another. That's the foundation of our country," he added. He also pointed out the diverse ethnic makeup of Balochistan, saying that more than 30% of its population comprises Pashtuns, and many Baloch tribes live outside the province in Sindh and South Punjab. "Pakistan is not just a country; it's an idea rooted in unity, faith, and purpose," he added.
Business Recorder
18 hours ago
- Business Recorder
Army chief dismisses rumours of leadership change in Pakistan
BRUSSELS: Chief of Army Staff Field Marshal Asim Munir addressed circulating rumours about his future role, Pakistan's strategic relations, and national security priorities, emphasizing the need for political and diplomatic balance. Addressing an event in Brussels, Field Marshal Munir dismissed recent speculations about changes in Pakistan's leadership, calling them 'completely false.' He said those spreading such rumours are opposed to both the government and the ruling elite. 'I am the protector of this country by God's will, and I do not seek any other position,' he asserted, reinforcing his commitment to national duty. The army chief noted that political reconciliation could be achieved through sincere apologies. He highlighted the importance of unity and dialogue in strengthening Pakistan's democratic institutions and political stability. Field Marshal Asim Munir stressed Pakistan's foreign policy long experience in maintaining a strategic balance between China and the United States. He said Islamabad has a long history of balancing relations between China and the United States. 'We will not sacrifice one friend for another,' he asserted. He also praised US President Donald Trump's desire for peace, noting Pakistan's initiative in recommending Trump for the Nobel Peace Prize as an example of proactive diplomacy that is now being recognized globally. 'Pakistan took the initiative in recommending the Nobel Prize for [President] Trump, now the rest of the world is following suit,' he remarked. The army chief warned India against destabilising Pakistan's peace through proxies. He also urged the Afghan government to stop policies that push the Taliban into Pakistan. 'It is our duty to avenge the blood of each Pakistani,' he said. COAS Asim Munir received a hero's welcome from overseas Pakistanis in Brussels, where he was hailed as a 'victor of war.' Defying protocol advice, he spent several hours standing to greet and meet expatriates who had traveled from far and wide. 'How can I break the hearts of those who came from afar?' he remarked, refusing to leave until he had shaken hands with every attendee. Field Marshal Asim Munir also praised Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif's dedication, noting his 18-hour workdays during the war with India and the determination shown by the cabinet. 'Their efforts reflect true commitment to Pakistan's security and resilience,' he added. Earlier, rumours began to circulate in July that President Asif Ali Zardari would be asked to step down, and that the COAS would take over the top office. However, top government officials, including Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi, rejected such claims. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif put the rumours to rest last month, calling them 'mere speculation.' 'Field Marshal Asim Munir has never expressed any desire to become the president, nor is there any such plan in the offing,' Sharif had said. Before that, Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi had dismissed the rumours suggesting that Chief of Army Staff (COAS) Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir intended to become the president, terming the speculation 'completely baseless and harmful to national stability'. In a statement issued on the social media platform X (formerly Twitter), the federal minister strongly condemned what he described as a 'negative campaign' targeting President Asif Ali Zardari, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, and the army chief. 'These rumours are being deliberately spread by hostile elements and foreign agencies to undermine political stability and institutional harmony in the country,' the minister claimed. Naqvi said there was no truth to reports of President Zardari resigning or Gen Munir eyeing the presidency. 'The Chief of Army Staff has no political objectives. His only focus is on strengthening Pakistan and ensuring its stability,' he said.
