PESHAWAR: The Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government has decided to launch the “Cashless Khyber Pakhtunkhwa,” a universal digital payment system for all types of transactions and business payments in the province.

A comprehensive strategy has been devised to implement this system, assigning clear responsibilities with timelines to various departments, institutions and district administrations, according to an official statement issued here.

It added that under the initiative, digital payments would be made mandatory for all types of private and public transactions, as well as for small and large businesses.

“The implementation of this system will facilitate not only business owners but also the general public by streamlining payment processes. Khyber Pakhtunkhwa will become the first province in the country to introduce such a cashless system. The Universal Digital Payment System will be established in collaboration with mobile companies that provide online payment services,” read the statement.

CM says initiative to strengthen financial security, encourage investment

It also said the digital payment system would also be functional in offline modes.

As part of the implementation, data collection will be carried out at the village council level, covering all shops, stalls, vendors and kiosks, according to officials.

The statement said that under the Cashless Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Initiative, it would be mandatory for all businesses, public transport services, and commercial centres to display QR codes for digital payments.

“To ensure the effective implementation of the system, a robust regulatory framework will be enforced. A structured mechanism will be devised under the leadership of district administrations to guarantee the smooth execution of this initiative, complemented by an extensive public awareness campaign.

Also, training programmes and support services will be provided to both business owners and the general public. For monitoring and evaluation purposes, a dashboard will be set up in partnership between the provincial government and mobile wallet service providers.

The Chief Minister’s Secretariat, the Finance Department, the IT Board, the PMRU, and district administrations will oversee performance tracking and regular reporting.

Chief Minister Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Ali Amin Gandapur ordered the implementation of the Cashless Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Initiative, according to the statement.

In a statement, the chief minister described the universal digital payment system as a revolutionary step by the provincial government and said the Cashless Initiative was an integral part of the Digital Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Programme.

He said the system would align the province with international digital payment standards and promote efficient and transparent financial transactions.

The chief minister said the digital payment system would enhance financial transparency, support economic growth, eliminate fraud and corruption, improve tax collection, create a business-friendly environment and encourage private investment in the province.

Published in Dawn, March 20th, 2025