Next BISP Payments to Be Disbursed via Digital Wallets

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has said that Pakistan’s move toward a cashless economy will play a vital role in achieving sustainable economic growth. He emphasized that the country must keep pace with global digital transformation trends. Chairing a high-level meeting in Islamabad on Monday to review progress on cashless economy initiatives, the Prime Minister said Pakistan had prioritized digitalization from day one, and the results were now visible. According to a briefing shared during the meeting, bill payments for electricity and gas have now been integrated with the Raast QR code system, allowing consumers to pay digitally instead of in cash.  The Prime Minister was also informed that one million digital wallets have been developed under the Benazir Income Support Programme (BISP), which will become fully operational by the end of the month, enabling digital transfers to beneficiaries in future installments. Officials further shared that a mobile application for Islamabad’s government services has been connected to the Raast payment platform, and all new business licenses in the capital are now linked to digital payment systems.  Existing shops have also been equipped to accept QR code payments, while licenses for new digital banks are being issued to expand financial access nationwide. The meeting noted that 68% of Pakistan’s population is now financially included, marking major progress in digital finance adoption.  The Prime Minister directed ministries to expand financial inclusion further and ensure all cashless economy targets are achieved within the set timeframe, adding that these reforms would strengthen governance and curb corruption. Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb, IT Minister Shaza Fatima Khawaja, State Bank Governor Jameel Ahmad, FBR Chairman Rashid Mahmood Langrial, and senior officials from NADRA and other departments attended the meeting.