Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif on Sunday said the government was working on a priority basis to digitize the economy and move all transactions to a cashless and digital system.
He was chairing a review meeting on cashless and digital economy and expressed satisfaction over measures and progress made in this regard. He directed all Chief Secretaries to fully cooperate with the federal government in expanding the Raast system to district governments.
The meeting reviewed steps to promote a cashless economy. Officials said digital identities will be created through Pakistan Digital Public Infrastructure, containing information on national identity cards, biometrics, and mobile phone numbers, which will facilitate digital payments.
It was highlighted that provincial governments have made progress in linking public-to-government and government-to-public payment systems with the Raast platform.
On digital infrastructure, the Capital Development Authority has granted right-of-way for fiber connectivity, while discussions are ongoing with Pakistan Railways and the National Highway Authority.
Federal ministers and senior officials attending the meeting included Finance and Revenue Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb, Economic Affairs Minister Ahad Khan Cheema, Information and Broadcasting Minister Attaullah Tarar, IT and Telecommunication Minister Shaza Fatima Khawaja, Petroleum Minister Ali Pervaiz Malik, Adviser to the Prime Minister Dr. Tauqir Shah, and Minister of State for Finance and Railways Bilal Azhar Kayani.
