Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has announced that the government is prioritizing the shift to a cashless, digital economy in Pakistan. The transition will involve creating digital identities for every citizen through the Pakistan Digital Public Infrastructure, enabling seamless digital payments across the nation.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has revealed that the government is accelerating efforts to digitize Pakistan’s economy, with plans to transition all transactions to a cashless and digital system. Chairing a review meeting on Sunday, the Prime Minister expressed satisfaction with the ongoing measures to create a cashless economy and emphasized the importance of digital infrastructure for future economic growth.
Source: Khyber News
In the meeting, PM Shehbaz directed that all chief secretaries cooperate fully with the federal government to implement the Raast system at the district level. Raast, the digital payment system, is central to the government’s goal of promoting a cashless economy. The digital platform will enable secure payments using digital identities, which will be created through the Pakistan Digital Public Infrastructure. These digital IDs will include information such as a person’s national identity card, biometrics, and mobile phone numbers, facilitating smooth and secure financial transactions.
The government has made significant strides in linking public and government payments with the Raast system, with provincial governments working alongside the federal authorities. The Capital Development Authority (CDA) has approved fiber connectivity for the project, and discussions are ongoing with Pakistan Railways and the National Highway Authority to further expand the digital infrastructure.
Federal ministers from various sectors, including Finance, Economic Affairs, Information Technology, and Petroleum, attended the meeting, highlighting the collaborative efforts being made to push the digital agenda forward.
In addition to digital economy advancements, PM Shehbaz also spoke about the government’s commitment to environmental sustainability through its Green Pakistan Programme. The Prime Minister announced the launch of the Monsoon Tree Plantation Campaign, urging citizens to contribute to increasing forest cover and improving soil fertility across the country.
He stressed that the campaign was not just symbolic but a national duty to ensure a healthier environment for future generations. “Let us unite in this national tree plantation campaign and make it a success,” he urged, calling on all segments of society to participate in this important environmental effort.
The government’s initiatives, from the shift to a cashless economy to a nationwide tree plantation drive, reflect a broader vision for Pakistan’s future growth, sustainability, and digital transformation.
