PM Orders Time-Bound Roadmap for a Cashless Pakistan; Raast to Replace Cheques for Government Accounts From Nov 16

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has directed the relevant authorities to prepare a roadmap with specific timelines and targets for moving Pakistan to a digital payment system, as the government pushes its cashless economy agenda.

The directions came at a high-level review meeting in Islamabad on November 6, according to a statement from the Prime Minister’s Office and a report by state broadcaster Radio Pakistan. The prime minister said promoting digital transactions remained a key priority and that the initiative was already showing results.

What the PM asked for

• Reliable internet connectivity across the country, so people in all regions can use digital payments.
• Faster resolution of user complaints about digital payment services.
• Wider use of Raast QR codes for everyday payments between consumers and merchants.
• An awareness campaign encouraging electricity and gas consumers to pay bills through the QR codes printed on them.
• Full implementation of the cashless plan by all ministries and departments.

Government payments going digital

The meeting was told that federal and provincial departments are shifting their payment systems to digital platforms, with most institutions expected to finish by December. All Benazir Income Support Programme payments are now made through digital wallets, and a mechanism for areas without internet access is being developed.

In a concrete change, cheque-based payments into Asaan Assignment Accounts will end on November 15. From November 16, all payments into these accounts nationwide will move to the State Bank’s Raast system, and drawing and disbursing officers have already been trained for the switch.

Why it matters for the tech sector

A government-led shift away from cash creates demand for fintech apps, merchant QR solutions, payment gateways and the connectivity that supports them. The key test will be whether the roadmap includes measurable targets and whether internet coverage improves fast enough for small merchants outside big cities.