Tech Desk 
Jan 10, 2025
A little over a month after its full-fledged launch in Pakistan was teased by Google Developer Notes, Google Wallet is anticipated to launch as a "passes-only" version in the country.
Acclaimed worldwide for allowing users to store payment cards, loyalty cards, boarding passes, tickets, and NFC transactions, the feature-rich digital wallet stirred a frenzy among tech-savvy individuals eager to embrace its rollout across Pakistan.
Google Wallet's passes-only version coming to Pakistan
“The latest Google Developer Notes reveal that Pakistan, alongside Egypt and Venezuela, will instead receive a ‘passes-only’ version of Google Wallet,” ProPakistani quoted a Markhor Times' correspondent as saying.
"Unlike the full version, this stripped-down iteration does not include the capability for contactless payments, integration with credit/debit cards, or mobile NFC transactions," he added.
Being a toned-down form of the service, the "passes-only" version of Google Wallet restricts its functionality to storing and managing digital passes.
The following use cases are where Google Wallet is expected to be applicable in Pakistan once rolled out:
- Boarding passes
- Event tickets
- Loyalty and membership cards
Given the considerably restricted functionality of Google Wallet falling short of gaining momentum, local players like Easypaisa and JazzCash may continue to have their moment in the country, at least for the time being.
