ISLAMABAD: The National Database and Registration Authority (Nadra) on Saturday signed an agreement with Virtual Remittance Gateway (VRG) to launch a ‘billing switch’ project.

Under the agreement, NIS payment collection and interoperable services will be made available at Nadra e-Sahulat centres to the over 7.7 million Asaan mobile account holders.

“Nadra and VRG’s collaboration marks a significant step forward for the digital financial services industry in the country.

“This partnership promises to bring unparalleled convenience and a seamless and secure experience to millions of people across the country.”

Service to be made available to over 7.7m Asaan mobile account holders

Speaking on the occasion, Nadra Chairman Tariq Malik said: “This collaboration is a unique opportunity to enhance the digital payments ecosystem. He also highlighted the importance of digital payments in today’s world and how it had revolutionised the way people transact.”

Mr Malik said the partnership marks a significant breakthrough in providing AMA scheme users with the most efficient payment options. With this collaboration, they can effortlessly pay their utility bills, NIS fees, obtain NIMS certificates and perform interoperable financial transactions in a hassle-free manner.

“The future of financial services is digital and the scaling up of digital services with convenience will unlock the potential of the millions of Pakistanis.

“Our core objective is to build global and local partnerships to facilitate digital payment and enhance digital financial services adoption by the underserved populations, including women, youth, the unbanked and the underbanked,” said the CEO of VRG, Salman Ali.

Asaan Mobile Account Scheme is now a landmark achievement for Pakistan in line with ‘financial inclusion and women empowerment’ goals serving 7.7+ million accounts and has processed 62 million transactions worth Rs59 billion of financial transactions to date. The female accounts stand at 39pc which is never been achieved earlier.

The AMA scheme is recognised by the World Economic Forum’s Edison Alliance network and has been showcased to 70+ countries. Furthermore, due to the achievements of AMA scheme and its upcoming product’s road map, Pakistan has been under consideration to become a member of the Light House Countries Network by the World Economic Forum.

The AMA scheme users will benefit greatly from this partnership, which also contributes to the government’s goal of promoting digital payments and making financial services available to everyone, thereby advancing financial inclusion.

Published in Dawn, May 7th, 2023