ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has directed authorities to ensure that all overseas remittances are processed digitally as part of the government’s broader strategy to build a cashless and digitally driven economy.
Chairing a high-level meeting on digital payments and financial inclusion on Tuesday, the prime minister instructed officials to strengthen public awareness campaigns encouraging merchants to adopt QR code-based payment systems. He also called for remittances sent by overseas Pakistanis to be made 100 percent digital.
Officials informed the meeting that 92 percent of remittances were already received through digital channels during the last fiscal year. Pakistan recorded a historic $41.6 billion in workers’ remittances, highlighting their crucial role in supporting the country’s external finances.
PM Shehbaz praised the government’s economic team for the significant progress made in expanding digital payments over the past year. He said shifting the economy towards cashless transactions would improve transparency, strengthen financial documentation, and promote sustainable economic growth.
The prime minister also highlighted the rapid expansion of digital payment infrastructure, noting that the number of merchants accepting QR code payments had increased by 300 percent, reaching nearly 2 million between June 2025 and June 2026.
According to the briefing, mobile banking adoption has also surged, with users increasing from 95 million to 137 million over the past year. During the same period, Pakistan recorded 11.9 billion digital financial transactions, reflecting growing public confidence in digital banking services.
PM Shehbaz urged banks and financial institutions to play a more active role in promoting digital payments and expanding financial inclusion across the country.
The meeting was also informed that the Benazir Income Support Programme (BISP) has fully transitioned to digital payments, with all 10 million beneficiaries now receiving financial assistance through digital wallets. The prime minister described the move as more transparent, faster, and more convenient for recipients.
Officials further shared that the National Database and Registration Authority (NADRA) has nearly completed its transition to digital payments, with 99 percent of transactions now processed electronically. Cash payments have fallen dramatically from 71 percent to just 1 percent, marking a major milestone in Pakistan’s digital transformation efforts.
The government recently expanded the Roshan Digital Account (RDA) programme by allowing foreign nationals and international investors to participate, a move aimed at attracting more investment and strengthening Pakistan’s digital financial ecosystem.
