In line with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s vision for a modern and digitally connected Pakistan, Minister of State for Finance and Revenue Bilal Azhar Kayani Saturday said the country is steadily advancing toward a cashless economy, supported by increasing public adoption of digital payment systems.
While speaking exclusively to a local media outlet, the Minister stated that under the government’s broader digital economy agenda, Pakistan’s financial system is undergoing gradual transformation, reinforced by strong momentum in cashless transactions across markets through continued government-private sector collaboration. He noted that citizens are progressively shifting toward digital payment channels, including mobile wallets, online transfers and card-based solutions for everyday purchases, reflecting a clear behavioral shift toward convenient and technology-driven financial practices. He further observed that traders and business communities are increasingly integrating cashless solutions within both retail and wholesale sectors, contributing to improved efficiency, greater transparency, and enhanced financial formalization across the economy.
The Minister said the government is further strengthening Pakistan’s digital financial ecosystem by expanding payment infrastructure and enhancing system capabilities to support secure and seamless transactions nationwide. He added that these initiatives form part of a comprehensive strategy aimed at modernizing the financial framework and ensuring reliable, efficient, and transparent economic operations. He also acknowledged the rising public inclination toward cashless payments in shopping and routine market activities, emphasizing that this growing trend demonstrates increasing trust in digital platforms. He concluded that this sustained shift in consumer behavior is accelerating Pakistan’s transition toward a fully modernized, cashless digital economy.