Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has reviewed progress on Pakistan’s transition toward a digital and cashless economy, urging provincial governments to extend full support for the expansion of the Raast payment system down to the district level.
During a high-level meeting in Islamabad, officials briefed the Prime Minister on upcoming initiatives under the Pakistan Digital Public Infrastructure (PDPI).
A new digital identification system will soon be launched, linking citizens’ CNICs, biometric data, and mobile phone numbers to enable secure and cashless transactions nationwide.
To ensure smooth implementation, the government is also working to strengthen fiber-optic connectivity, particularly in remote areas, so that digital services remain reliable and widely accessible.
Authorities believe the move will deliver several key benefits:
- Faster and more convenient transactions for citizens and businesses.
- Greater transparency, reducing corruption and undocumented cash dealings.
- Economic modernization, aligning Pakistan with global digital finance standards.
The Prime Minister emphasized that provincial cooperation is critical for success, noting that without joint efforts the vision of a digital Pakistan cannot be achieved.
Officials say the initiative will not only strengthen the financial system but also improve governance and unlock new opportunities for growth, innovation, and inclusion across the country.
