Friday, December 26, 2025

RAAST processes over 3 billion transactions worth Rs80 trillion since launch

48 million users onboarded, 53 banks integrated as govt plans shift of G2B, B2G payments to platform

SBP, LCCI to launch QR code payment system for chamber members

Exporters raise concerns over delays in refinance approvals and tightening financing conditions

Islamabad admin launches country’s first fully cashless weekly bazaar in H-9

CDA plans to expand digital payments to all commercial centres, hospitals, restaurants and Islamabad Airport

Less than 700,000 retailers linked with digital payment systems as PM pushes for cashless economy

Government targets 2 million merchants by June 2026 amid resistance from trading community and rising cash circulation

Govt aims full digitisation of payments by the end of FY2025-26, says finance advisor

Khurram Schehzad highlights reforms for cashless economy, tax policy restructuring at retail summit

Over 5,000 shopkeepers in Islamabad registered for digital payments under cashless city drive

Initiative extends to markets, metro buses, and more as Islamabad aims for a fully cashless future

SBP to route all government payments through Raast by end of FY26

Rs3.5bn subsidy approved for Raast P2M QR payments to boost digital transactions and financial inclusion

Govt approves Rs 3.5 billion subsidy to promote digital payments through Raast QR codes

Financial institutions to receive 0.5% subsidy on Person-to-Merchant transactions as part of cashless economy push

Pakistan to digitise all govt payments by June 2026, integrates Raast with Arab Monetary Fund’s Buna

Integration with Buna will enable faster, secure inflows from overseas Pakistanis, but outflows of funds will not be permitted 

Balochistan launches Pakistan’s first automated digital financial e-filing system

New system aims to streamline financial processes, enhance public oversight, and ensure transparency across government departments

Govt seeks SBP report on impact of Rs3.5 billion Raast QR subsidy

ECC directs SBP to assess subsidy, merchant adoption, and transaction volumes

SBP directs banks to equip 25% branches with Cash Deposit Machines 

Move is part of the central bank’s broader plan to promote self-service banking and accelerate digitization

Govt sanctions Rs3.5 billion annual subsidy to expand Raast QR adoption at retail outlets

SBP to implement Merchant Discount Rate subsidy scheme to boost cashless transactions, with evaluation report due in July 2026

Government to commission independent audit of Cashless Economy Initiative 2025

Review will assess design, implementation, progress, and governance, including user adoption, merchant participation, and digital payment trends

PM Sharif pushes for digitization of economy, Raast expansion to districts

Federal government aims to take all transactions to cashless system