Pakistan engages Mastercard, Google on digital payments, AI and fintech development

Federal Minister for Finance and Revenue Senator Muhammad Aurangzeb held separate meetings with Mastercard’s Chief of Global Affairs and Policy Tucker Foote and Google’s Vice President and Global Head of Government Affairs and Public Policy Karan Bhatia on the sidelines of the World Bank–IMF Spring Meetings 2026, focusing on digital payments, financial inclusion and artificial intelligence-led transformation.

In his meeting with Mastercard, the two sides discussed avenues to strengthen digital payments, expand financial inclusion and promote innovation in Pakistan’s fintech ecosystem. 

Issues related to cybersecurity, cross-border financial flows and remittances were also reviewed, with both sides reaffirming commitment to building a secure and inclusive digital economy.

Separately, in talks with Google, the finance minister appreciated the company’s ongoing initiatives in Pakistan, particularly its AI training and capacity-building programmes. He also acknowledged the local assembly of Google Chromebooks and the company’s plan to open an office in Pakistan in July 2026.

Discussions covered ongoing and upcoming initiatives between Google and the government to promote AI development and its application across key sectors, including agriculture and manufacturing.

Both sides reiterated their commitment to strengthening collaboration in support of Pakistan’s broader digital transformation agenda.