- Premier Shehbaz chairs high-level meeting to review progress on cashless economy initiatives
- Emphasizes financial inclusion, digital wallets under BISP to benefit millions
- Says RAAST QR codes enable billions in electricity, gas, and retail transactions, directs awareness campaigns in rural areas to accelerate digital adoption
ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Monday underlined the transformative potential of Pakistan’s shift towards a cashless economy, calling it a critical step for sustainable development, improved governance, and curbing corruption.
He emphasized that digitalization initiatives, spearheaded by his government, are positioning Pakistan to keep pace with the global transition to fully digital financial systems.
Chairing a high-level meeting to review progress on these initiatives, the Prime Minister directed relevant authorities to intensify awareness campaigns in rural areas to phase out the traditional cash-based economy and accelerate adoption of digital financial services. “The entire world is moving towards a digital economy, and Pakistan must move forward alongside it,” he said.
Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif chairs a review meeting regarding cashless economy. pic.twitter.com/ggOOvP2IxU
— Government of Pakistan (@GovtofPakistan) November 10, 2025
Highlighting the government’s achievements, the Prime Minister recalled that for the first time, during Ramazan, financial assistance under the Benazir Income Support Programme (BISP) was successfully delivered to deserving families through digital wallets. He underscored that the cashless economy would not only enhance transparency but also significantly curb corruption, urging all departments to meet set targets within the stipulated timeframe.
PM Shehbaz Sharif commended the Ministry of Finance, Ministry of IT, Federal Board of Revenue (FBR), State Bank of Pakistan, and other relevant institutions for the satisfactory implementation of the cashless economy roadmap.
وزیر اعظم محمد شہباز شریف کی زیر صدارت کیش لیس معیشت کے جاری اقدامات پر جائزہ اجلاس
اجلاس کو وزیرِ اعظم کے کیش لیس معیشت کے وژن کے تحت حکومتی اقدامات پر پیش رفت سے آگاہ کیا گیا اور آئندہ برس کے اہداف کے حوالے سے بھی بریفنگ دی گئی۔
“پوری دنیا ڈیجیٹل معیشت کی جانب تیزی سے گامزن… pic.twitter.com/QiZHAj9ich
— Government of Pakistan (@GovtofPakistan) November 10, 2025
The meeting reviewed key initiatives under the Prime Minister’s vision, including: Payments for electricity and gas bills through RAAST QR codes, enabling billions of rupees in digital transactions.
Progress on 10 million BISP digital wallets, with all wallets to be activated by the end of the current month and the next tranche of assistance disbursed digitally. Integration of government service mobile apps in Islamabad with the RAAST system.
وزیر اعظم محمد شہباز شریف کی زیر صدارت کیش لیس معیشت کے جاری اقدامات پر جائزہ اجلاس
اجلاس کو وزیرِ اعظم کے کیش لیس معیشت کے وژن کے تحت حکومتی اقدامات پر پیش رفت سے آگاہ کیا گیا۔ اجلاس کو بتایا گیا کہ بجلی اور گیس کے بلز پر راست QR کوڈز کے ذریعے انکی ادائیگی کو کیش لیس کیا جارہا… pic.twitter.com/HicZeYYzGN
— Government of Pakistan (@GovtofPakistan) November 10, 2025
Linking business licensing processes with digital payments and providing QR code payment facilities at retail shops. Issuance of licenses for establishing digital banks nationwide.
So far, the government has achieved financial inclusion for over 68% of the population, with plans to expand coverage further in the coming year. The prime minister directed that the scope of financial inclusion should continue to be broadened and reviewed targets for the next year.
The meeting was attended by Federal Ministers Muhammad Aurangzeb, Ahad Khan Cheema, Attaullah Tarar, Shaza Fatima Khawaja, Minister of State Bilal Azhar Kayani, Governor SBP Jameel Ahmed, Chairman NADRA Lt. Gen Muhammad Munir, Chairman FBR Rashid Langrial, and other senior officials.
Balochistan CM calls on Prime Minister
Meanwhile, Chief Minister of Balochistan Sarfraz Ahmed Bugti called on PM Shehbaz Sharif to discuss matters related to Balochistan. Minister for Parliamentary Affairs Dr Tariq Fazal Chaudhry and Advisor to the Prime Minister Rana Sanaullah also attended the meeting.
PM grieves death of educationist Dr. Arifa Zahra
وزیراعظم محمد شہباز شریف کا معروف ادبی شخصیت اور دانشور ڈاکٹر عارفہ سیدہ زہرہ کے انتقال پر اظہار افسوس
وزیراعظم نے ڈاکٹر عارفہ سیدہ زہرہ کی علم و تدریس، تحقیق اور بالخصوص اردو زبان کے فروغ و ترویج کے لیے خدمات کو خراج عقیدت پیش کیا۔ مرحومہ کی مغفرت و بلندی درجات اور لواحقین کے… pic.twitter.com/Y3Kq5lQ45n— Government of Pakistan (@GovtofPakistan) November 10, 2025
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif expressed deep grief over the passing of renowned educationist and literary figure Dr. Arifa Syeda Zahra, paying rich tribute to her outstanding contributions to academia and promotion of the Urdu language. He prayed for peace for the departed soul and conveyed condolences to her family, students, and the academic community.
