Tech Desk 
Aug 18, 2025
In a major move to transform Pakistan, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif announced that the government is actively working to digitalise the economy and take all transactions to a cashless and digital system.
During a high-level meeting on Sunday, August 17, 2025, the prime minister reviewed the cashless and digital economy plan in the federal capital and expressed satisfaction over the measures and progress made towards a cashless system.
He directed all chief secretaries to fully cooperate with the federal government in taking the Raast system to the level of district governments.
The meeting was briefed that digital identifications will be created through Pakistan Digital Public Infrastructure, which will include information about every person’s national identity card, biometrics and mobile phone numbers. Notably, digital payments will be made through these digital IDs.
The meeting was informed that provincial governments have made significant progress in linking the system of payments, from public to government and government to public, with the Raast system.
Regarding the development of digital infrastructure, the Capital Development Authority (CDA) has given the right-of-way for fibre connectivity, while discussions are underway with Pakistan Railways and the National Highway Authority (NHA) on the issue.
It is worth noting that the State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) has taken significant steps to ensure a transition toward a more cashless economy so that transactions are more traceable, reducing chances of tax evasion and corruption.
