Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Monday urged authorities to make digital transactions simpler and cheaper than cash to speed up Pakistan’s shift toward a cashless economy. Chairing a meeting on the matter, he emphasized that developed countries prefer digital systems due to their efficiency and transparency. He stressed that Pakistan must follow this global trend for better economic results.
To achieve this goal, the PM ordered the creation of three special committees: the Digital Payments Innovation and Adoption Committee, the Digital Public Infrastructure Committee, and the Government Payments Committee. These groups will suggest steps to improve payment services between citizens and businesses, activate the Pakistan Digital Authority, and prepare a national digital master plan.
The Prime Minister also directed the use of modern technology to support digital payment systems. He believes better tech use will make transactions faster and easier for the public and private sectors alike. The focus will be on increasing public awareness and building user trust in digital platforms.
Earlier, a high-level committee was also formed to accelerate the transition toward digital financial services. According to the Prime Minister’s Office, digitisation remains a key reform goal for the current government. It aims to reduce reliance on the informal economy and increase transparency through digital fund transfers.
Shehbaz Sharif added that the federal budget includes new policy measures to support this digital shift. These include steps to promote digital banking, online payments, and electronic money transfers to boost economic growth and improve public service delivery.