PM directs authorities to map out cashless economy transition

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Saturday directed the relevant authorities to prepare a clear roadmap, with specific timelines and targets, for establishing a fully digital payment system across the country as the government steps up efforts to promote a cashless economy.

Chairing a high-level meeting in Islamabad to review progress on the government’s cashless economy initiative, the prime minister said promoting digital payments was among the government’s top priorities, adding that positive results had started to emerge.

According to a statement issued by the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) on X, Shehbaz called for ensuring nationwide internet connectivity and easy public access to technology to facilitate the transition.

He also directed the authorities to address customer complaints arising from the use of digital payment services without delay.

The prime minister called for promoting digital transactions between consumers and merchants through the government’s Raast QR Code initiative, saying it was helping advance the vision of a cashless economy.

He also instructed the authorities to launch an effective media campaign encouraging electricity and gas consumers to pay their utility bills through QR codes printed on their bills. All ministries and government departments were directed to ensure the full implementation of the cashless economy plan.

The meeting was informed that efforts to digitalise payments across federal and provincial government departments were progressing rapidly, with most institutions expected to complete the process by December.

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The statement further said that 100% of payments under the Benazir Income Support Programme (BISP) were being made through digital wallets.

It added that work was underway to introduce an advanced digital payment mechanism for areas without internet connectivity, while infrastructure development to improve internet access across the country was also progressing.

The meeting was further informed that payments through cheques into Asaan Assignment Accounts would be discontinued from November 15.

“From November 16, all payments into Asaan Assignment Accounts across the country would be made through the Raast digital payment system,” the statement said.

The relevant drawing and disbursing officers had already received the necessary training to implement the new payment mechanism, it added.