PM Shehbaz Directs Timely Achievement of Cashless Economy Targets
Islamabad: Prime Minister **Shehbaz Sharif** has directed all relevant ministries and departments to achieve the targets for transitioning to a **cashless economy** within the stipulated time frame.
Chairing a high-level review meeting on ongoing initiatives under his vision for a cashless economy, the Prime Minister emphasized that **Pakistan must move in step with the world**, which is rapidly shifting toward **digital financial systems**.
The meeting was attended by federal ministers **Ahsan Iqbal Cheema**, **Muhammad Aurangzeb**, **Attaullah Tarar**, **Shiza Fatima Khawaja**, Minister of State **Bilal Azhar Kayani**, **State Bank Governor Jameel Ahmed**, **NADRA Chairman Lt. Gen. Muhammad Munir Afzal**, **FBR Chairman Rashid Mahmood Langrial**, and other senior officials.
Officials briefed the Prime Minister that **bill payments for electricity and gas** have now been integrated with the **Raast QR code system**, enabling digital payments worth billions of rupees. Additionally, the **Benazir Income Support Programme (BISP)** is launching **one million digital wallets**, expected to become fully operational by the end of this month to facilitate direct cash transfers to beneficiaries.
The meeting was informed that the **Islamabad government services mobile app** has been linked with the Raast system, allowing users to make payments digitally. Furthermore, **business licensing** has been made conditional on digital payment options, and **shops across the city** are being equipped with Raast QR payment facilities.
Officials also reported that **licenses for digital banks** are being issued to promote financial innovation. As a result of these initiatives, **68% of the population** has now achieved **financial inclusion**, with expectations of further growth next year.
Prime Minister Shehbaz expressed satisfaction with the progress and instructed that **financial inclusion be expanded further**. He stressed that the transition to a **cashless economy** will play a pivotal role in ensuring **sustainable economic growth**, adding that from day one, the government has prioritized efforts to make Pakistan a **digitally empowered nation**.
He appreciated the contributions of the **Ministry of Finance**, **Ministry of IT**, **FBR**, **State Bank**, and other institutions for their coordinated efforts, describing their work as **commendable and forward-looking**.
