Islamabad (Web Desk): Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has underscored the critical role of digital transaction systems in transforming Pakistan’s economy into a transparent and modern framework. Speaking at a weekly meeting focused on advancing a cashless and digital economy, the Prime Minister emphasized the urgent need to promote digital payment methods to streamline and expedite transactions between citizens and businesses.
During the session, officials briefed the Prime Minister on ongoing initiatives aimed at laying a robust digital foundation for the economy. Three specialized committees — the Digital Payments Innovation and Adoption Committee, the Digital Public Infrastructure Committee, and the Government Payments Committee — are actively working to submit actionable recommendations in the near future.
The State Bank of Pakistan has formulated a dedicated strategy to onboard traders and small businesses into the digital payments ecosystem, complemented by new measures and incentive packages designed to boost digital payment adoption.
Key targets outlined include increasing the number of mobile app payment users from 95 million to 120 million, raising QR code-using merchants from 0.9 million to 2 million, and expanding overall digital transaction volumes from Rs 7.5 trillion to Rs 12 trillion. Prime Minister Sharif has directed authorities to ambitiously double these goals.
Progress on the “Digital National Pakistan” initiative was also highlighted. The Islamabad City App has recorded over 1.3 million downloads and offers 15 government services, facilitating transactions exceeding Rs 15.5 billion. Additionally, e-stamping services are set to launch soon in Islamabad.
The Prime Minister further instructed the expansion of public Wi-Fi services from the federal capital to Gilgit-Baltistan, Azad Kashmir, and other federal territories to enhance digital accessibility.
The meeting was attended by federal ministers, advisors, and senior government officials.