Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Friday directed authorities to prepare a “clear roadmap and time-bound targets” for establishing a 100 per cent digital payments system in the country.

The directives came during a high-level meeting he chaired in Islamabad regarding the promotion of a cashless economy in the country, according to a statement by the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO).

The premier directed the relevant officials to present a “clear roadmap and time-bound targets for establishing a 100pc digital payments system in the country”.

“The issues faced by users in the digital payments system should be resolved immediately,” PM Shehbaz said.

He further stressed, “To promote a cashless economy, the provision of internet across the country and easy access to technology for the public must be ensured.”

“Promoting a cashless economy is one of the government’s top priorities, with its positive results already beginning to emerge,” PM Shehbaz was quoted as saying.

He also commended the “ongoing successful efforts by the Ministry of Finance and all relevant state institutions” to promote a cashless economy.

“The payment system through Raast QR codes is proving instrumental in achieving the government’s vision of a cashless economy,” the prime minister said, directing that the scheme to promote digital payments between consumers and merchants through Raast QR codes be continued under government patronage.

The prime minister directed the launch of an effective media campaign to encourage electricity and gas consumers to make payments through QR codes printed on utility bills, and instructed all ministries and government institutions to ensure full implementation of the cashless economy plan.

During the meeting, a briefing was given on the ongoing measures to promote a cashless economy, the PMO statement said.

According to the briefing, work on the digitisation of payments in all federal and provincial government institutions was progressing rapidly, and payments in “most institutions” would be fully digitised by December 2026, the PMO said.

It added that 100pc of the payments under the Benazir Income Support Programme were being made through digital wallets. “Work is underway to introduce a modern system for digital payments in areas without internet access,” the meeting was informed.

“Efforts to establish infrastructure for internet provision across the country are progressing rapidly,” the PMO statement said.

It added that cheque-based payments through Asaan Assignment Account will be discontinued from Nov 15, and instead will be made through the Raast digital system across the country. Drawing and disbursing officers have already been trained in this regard, it noted.

The federal government has maintained that it is taking vigorous steps to stren­gthen the country’s financial system through fundamental reforms in the tax system, increasing the efficiency of the Federal Board of Revenue, promoting a cashless economy and using modern technology.

The prime minister has repeatedly emphasised the need to implement digital transaction systems across the country, insisting that it was vital to bring transparency to the economy.

In a bid to promote a cashless economy, PM Shehbaz formed a high-level committee in June last year. This July, he also directed that remittances from abroad be fully digitised as part of the drive.