THE prime minister’s call for a time-bound roadmap to make all payments digital has given the government’s cashless economy drive a target. Federal and provincial institutions are moving towards digital payments, with most expected to complete the transition by December. Raast QR codes are being promoted for transactions, while cheque-based payments through Asaan Assignment Accounts are to be replaced by electronic transfers from Nov 15. These steps could make public transactions easier to trace and reduce delays. But the proposed target of 100pc digital payments raises a question: can the state guarantee reliable access to a system on which it wants everyone to depend?

The PM has rightly linked the plan to nationwide internet access. In many areas, however, patchy mobile signals, power outages and the cost of smartphones and data remain obstacles. A payment method that works smoothly in a major city may be unusable in a remote village. The government says it is developing arrangements for areas without internet connectivity, but these must be tested before cash options are withdrawn. The shift also requires help for small traders, older citizens and people unfamiliar with banking applications. Simply displaying a QR code will not resolve failed transactions, mistaken transfers, or the difficulty of obtaining assistance. There is also the question of trust. Digital payment systems must protect users from fraud, safeguard personal information, and offer procedures for complaints and refunds. Public agencies should publish measurable progress, including transaction failure rates and access in underserved districts, rather than celebrating the number of accounts or QR codes created. Digitising welfare payments deserves particular scrutiny: beneficiaries must be able to receive and use their money without paying intermediaries or travelling long distances. The government should make digital transactions the easiest choice through dependable services and modest costs, not turn them into an obligation before the country is ready. A deadline is useful only if it measures public access.

Published in Dawn, November 8th, 2026