Khyber Pakhtunkhwa pioneers Pakistan's first Cashless economy with new digital payment system
The provincial administration of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) announced that it has developed a strategy to launch a universal digital payment system, becoming the first province in Pakistan to establish a cashless economy for both business and financial transactions.
The 'Cashless Khyber Pakhtunkhwa' initiative aims to modernize financial transactions by requiring all public and private payments, ranging from small business dealings to large-scale financial operations, to be conducted digitally.
The strategy includes a phased implementation, with specific responsibilities assigned to various government departments, institutions, and district administrations, all operating under set timelines.
In partnership with mobile wallet service providers, the system will be designed to work offline, ensuring accessibility in remote areas.
"The province has decided to launch a universal digital payment system for all types of transactions and business payments," the KP government said in a statement. "A detailed implementation strategy has been finalized."
As part of the initiative, the government will collect data on all commercial entities, including small shops, street vendors, and stalls at the village council level, ensuring their integration into the new digital framework.
Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur has ordered the immediate rollout of the system and directed the Chief Secretary's Office to oversee compliance.
'KP will be the first province in Pakistan to introduce a cashless system,' Gandapur said. 'This initiative will help promote the digital economy, enhance financial transparency, and eliminate fraud and corruption.'
Under the Cashless Khyber Pakhtunkhwa program, all businesses, public transport services, and commercial establishments will be required to display QR codes for digital payments. A robust regulatory framework will be implemented to ensure effective enforcement.
To assist businesses and citizens in transitioning to the new system, the KP administration has planned public awareness campaigns, training programs, and support services.
Gandapur emphasized that the digital payment system will not only foster fintech solutions and improve economic security, but will also facilitate better tax collection and create a more business-friendly environment in the province.
'The introduction of a digital payment system will encourage private investment and align KP with international digital financial standards,' he added.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Express Tribune
a day ago
- Express Tribune
K-P unveils app for flood compensation
The Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa government has launched a mobile app-based digital payment system to ensure transparent and timely compensation for flood victims. Chief Minister Ali Amin Khan Gandapur formally inaugurated the initiative on Monday. The newly developed app, "Digital Disaster Compensation Management", was created by the K-P Information Technology Board in record time and integrated with the government's central service delivery platform "Dastak." Through the system, flood-affected families will receive compensation for damaged properties directly via online transfers. Victims will be able to upload details of property losses and submit claims digitally. Using geo-tagging, the mechanism aims to eliminate false claims, while verification of damages and disbursement of payments will be fully automated. Officials said the process would remain completely paperless and cashless. A dedicated dashboard will allow the Chief Minister, Chief Secretary, and senior officials to monitor real-time data on reported damages and disbursed payments. Calling the launch a "major step" toward swift and transparent relief, Gandapur praised officials for developing the app within a short time. "This will not only provide quick payments to the victims but also guarantee transparency in the process," he remarked. In addition, the Chief Minister announced that he will donate his one-month salary to support flood victims across the province. Provincial cabinet members will contribute 15 days' salary, MPAs seven days' salary, Grade-17 and above officers two days' salary, while employees from Grade-1 to 16 will give one day's salary. To ensure accountability, Gandapur directed that a special account be set up under the Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) with a clear and transparent mechanism for disbursing funds. He assured that every rupee would be properly accounted for and details made public. "The flood-affected people deserve our utmost attention and support," the Chief Minister said. "In this difficult time, all of us must come forward generously to help them." He said that government has intensified relief operations in the flood-affected districts, particularly in Buner, where emergency camps have been established to assist victims. In the first phase, compensation payments for the deceased and injured are already underway. Meanwhile, a survey to assess property losses is in progress. Chief Minister directed officials to ensure early completion of all compensation disbursements for fatalities and injuries. He further instructed the administration to expedite the survey of damages to private properties, including livestock and shops, and compile accurate data in the shortest possible time. Gandapur also emphasized providing cash assistance instead of ready-made food, enabling victims to utilize the funds according to their needs. The chief minister underlined the need for a transparent mechanism based on NADRA data to ensure fair distribution of aid. He also directed that district administrations must never face a shortage of funds for any relief activity, stressing the constant availability of financial resources.
Business Recorder
02-08-2025
- Business Recorder
FATF: Azma criticises Gandapur's ‘irresponsible' statement
LAHORE: Punjab Minister for Information and Culture, Azma Bokhari, has strongly condemned India's use of Ali Amin Gandapur's irresponsible statement against Pakistan in the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) forum, calling it both deplorable and deeply shameful for the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) party. She said the episode not only brings disgrace to Gandapur but also reflects PTI's overall political immaturity. 'The core problem with these individuals is their chronic inability to think before speaking,' she remarked. Azma Bokhari reminded that it was Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif's tireless efforts and effective diplomacy that successfully removed Pakistan from the FATF grey list. 'This achievement opened the doors for access to Western markets and created new economic opportunities with the European Union,' she added. Criticizing PTI's leadership further, she stated that the party played a major role in dragging the country toward economic instability. 'They not only staged protests against the IMF but also held demonstrations outside its headquarters and engaged in letter-writing campaigns to tarnish Pakistan's image globally,' she added. Azma emphasized that expecting national interest from PTI is pointless. 'The party's record is filled with incidents of mocking state institutions, displaying irresponsibility in matters of national security, and attempting to weaken Pakistan's global standing.' She also slammed India, saying, 'After facing defeat in conventional warfare, India is now globally isolated. The Modi regime is resorting to false propaganda in a failed attempt to launch new offensives against Pakistan.' Azma concluded that India's narrative against Pakistan at forums like FATF gains strength due to the recklessness of individuals like Gandapur, which amounts to playing with national security. Copyright Business Recorder, 2025
Business Recorder
01-08-2025
- Business Recorder
KP CM's remarks cited: India seeks Pakistan's return to FATF ‘grey list'
KARACHI: The Indian government has submitted the recent remarks of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur to the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) as evidence against Pakistan, officials of the global watchdog confirmed. According to FATF officials, New Delhi has presented the statement as formal proof in support of its stance that Islamabad provides support to terrorist elements. The Indian submission specifically references Gandapur's recent comment in which he said: 'We arrest the Taliban, but our own institutions get them released, claiming they are their people.' The remarks, which drew criticism at home, are now being used by India to request Pakistan's re-listing on the FATF's 'increased monitoring' list, commonly known as the grey list. Indian authorities have argued that this public admission by a provincial chief minister shows that Pakistan's institutions continue to aid and protect terrorist elements. The FATF officials said India framed the statement as a formal 'charge sheet' against Pakistan, particularly highlighting Khyber Pakhtunkhwa as a region gravely affected by terrorism and militancy. Pakistan was taken off the FATF grey list in 2022, giving it a clean bill of health on terrorist financing and boosting its reputation among lenders — essential for Pakistan's crisis-hit economy. The FATF's grey list — in which Pakistan was placed from 2018-2022 —places a country under increased monitoring until it has rectified identified flaws in its financial system. Copyright Business Recorder, 2025
