SBP’s Go Cashless Eid-ul-Azha campaign records Rs34 billion in digital transactions

More than 480,000 digital transactions worth over Rs34 billion were carried out across 123 cattle markets under the State Bank of Pakistan’s nationwide Go Cashless campaign during Eid-ul-Azha 2026, according to the central bank. 

The campaign was expanded from 54 cattle markets in 2025 to 123 markets across Pakistan this year.

Transaction volume increased more than sevenfold from around 65,000 in 2025 to approximately 481,000 in 2026.

The value of transactions rose from Rs4.6 billion last year to Rs34 billion during the latest campaign.

Around 12,500 new accounts were also opened for cattle farmers and service providers associated with livestock markets.

A total of 22 banks established dedicated camps and kiosks in assigned cattle markets to facilitate digital payments between buyers and sellers.

Participating banks registered cattle sellers, transporters and other service providers through real-time biometric verification conducted within the markets.

The registered merchants were provided QR codes to receive payments through digital channels.

Mobile banking vans were also deployed at selected cattle markets and equipped with automated teller machines, cash counters and cash deposit machines.

The facilities allowed merchants to deposit surplus cash directly into the banking system while accessing on-site banking services.

State Bank teams were stationed in the markets around the clock to assist participating banks, support their staff and address operational issues.

To facilitate cattle merchants and enable high-value payments, the central bank temporarily enhanced transaction limits from May 14 to June 5, 2026.

The State Bank also conducted a nationwide awareness campaign through television, radio, print and social media, alongside promotional activities carried out by participating banks.

The central bank said the increase in transaction volume and value reflected higher use of digital payment channels in a market segment traditionally dependent on cash.

It added that the initiative was aimed at supporting the wider adoption of secure and accessible digital payments in seasonal and high-volume markets across Pakistan.