ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Monday announced that financial assistance under the Benazir Income Support Programme (BISP) will be disbursed through digital wallets starting this Ramazan — a step he described as the beginning of a “new chapter” in Pakistan’s transition towards a cashless economy.

Chairing a meeting to review progress on digitalisation of payments, the premier said that the adoption of digital systems would help ensure sustainable economic growth, improve governance, and curb corruption.

An official statement said the prime minister was briefed on the operationalisation of 10 million digital wallets under BISP set to be completed by the end of this month.

Highlighting global trends, Mr Sharif said Pakistan must align itself with the world’s rapid shift towards digital economies. “Digital payments will enhance transparency and efficiency while reducing corruption,” he noted, adding that the government’s early focus on digital transformation was now producing tangible results.

10m digital wallets to be activated this month

The meeting was informed that payment of electricity and gas bills is now being facilitated through Raast QR codes, enabling billions of rupees in digital transactions. The mobile application for government services in Islamabad has also been integrated with Raast, while the issuance of new business licences has been linked to digital payment systems.

QR codes have been introduced at retail outlets to promote electronic transactions.

The participants also reviewed progress on the licensing of digital banks, a key component of the broader financial inclusion strategy.

The prime minister praised the Finance Ministry, the Ministry of IT, Federal Board of Revenue (FBR), State Bank of Pakistan, and other stakeholders for their “commendable” work, but directed that all economic targets for the cashless transition be achieved within the defined timelines.

He noted that 68 per cent of Pakistan’s population has now achieved financial inclusion, instructing officials to further expand this coverage.The meeting was attended by federal ministers Ahad Khan Cheema, Muhammad Aurangzeb, Attaullah Tarar, Shaza Fatima Khawaja, Bilal Azhar Kayani, along with State Bank Governor Jameel Ahmad, NADRA Chairman Lt Gen Muhammad Munir Afzal, and FBR Chairman Rashid Mahmood Langrial.

Published in Dawn, November 11th, 2025