Business Desk 
Feb 19, 2025
The Ministry of Information Technology and Telecommunication (MoIT&T) is in talks with PayPal to facilitate its entry into the Pakistani market.
Minister for Finance and Revenue Senator Muhammad Aurangzeb informed the National Assembly in a written reply that the State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) has expressed willingness to support PayPal through MoIT&T’s ongoing engagements.
Moreover, Aurangzeb stated that workable alternatives to PayPal, including Payoneer and Skrill, are currently operational in Pakistan.
PayPal launch in Pakistan
PayPal PTE, a Singapore-based indirect subsidiary of PayPal Inc., has agreements with four Pakistani banks to facilitate home remittances. The finance minister briefed that there are no legal limitations on the entry or operations of any international payment gateway, including PayPal, as long as they comply with Pakistan’s Electronic Money Institution and Foreign Exchange regulations.
Previously, the Minister of State for IT and Telecom acknowledged the challenges in bringing PayPal to Pakistan, explaining that while discussions continue, the final decision rests with the company.
She said that private firms operate based on their business interests, and the government can only facilitate the process, not mandate PayPal’s entry.
In January 2024, the caretaker minister for IT and Telecom, Dr Umar Saif, announced that PayPal would enter the Pakistani market through a strategic collaboration with an international payment gateway.
He further claimed that the arrangement would let Pakistani freelancers receive payments via PayPal.
Pakistan has been in discussion with PayPal for several years to bring the payment giant to the country’s growing digital economy.
