SBP expands cashless payments to cattle markets

The State Bank of Pakistan has launched a nationwide Go Cashless campaign for Eidul Azha, expanding digital payment coverage in cattle markets from 54 to 96 this year. Twenty-two banks will set up camps and kiosks to facilitate QR code payments and account opening.

KARACHI: The State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) on Friday announced a nationwide Go Cashless campaign for Eidul Azha aimed at encouraging secure, convenient and cashless transactions in cattle markets.

According to a circular issued by the central bank, the initiative is part of SBP’s wider strategy to reduce dependence on cash and speed up the digitisation of Pakistan’s payments landscape. The bank said cattle markets generate substantial economic and commercial activity during the religious festival, but a large share of these transactions continues to take place in cash.

The SBP said it has been using this seasonal activity over the past few years to promote digital payment channels in cattle markets, citing the scale of transactions and the opportunity to broaden digital financial inclusion.

Coverage expanded this year

Building on earlier campaigns, the central bank has widened the scope of the initiative this year. Coverage has increased from 54 cattle markets in 2025 to 96 markets this year, according to the SBP circular.

Under the campaign, 22 participating banks will set up dedicated camps and kiosks in assigned cattle markets to help facilitate digital transactions for both buyers and sellers.

The banks will also onboard cattle sellers, transporters and other related service providers onto digital payment channels through account opening and the deployment of QR code-based payment solutions.

Temporary relaxations and added facilities

To support higher transaction volumes during the Eid season, the SBP has introduced temporary relaxations on transactional and/or account balance limits. These measures will remain in effect from May 14 to June 5.

In addition, mobile banking vans, automated teller machines and cash deposit machines will be deployed, where feasible, to improve access to financial services in and around cattle markets.

The central bank said the public is encouraged to use digital payment channels during the Eid period, including mobile banking applications, branchless banking wallets, Raast-enabled services and QR code payments.

The campaign reflects the SBP’s continuing effort to bring more seasonal and high-volume commercial activity into formal digital channels, particularly in settings where cash transactions have traditionally dominated.

The SBP said the expanded campaign is intended to make transactions in cattle markets more secure and convenient during Eidul Azha while supporting broader adoption of digital financial services across the country.