Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has directed the government to prepare a clear roadmap with fixed deadlines to shift Pakistan towards a fully cashless economy, making digital payments a nationwide priority.

He issued the instructions on Friday while chairing a high-level meeting in Islamabad to review progress on promoting digital payments, according to the Prime Minister’s Office.

The prime minister directed relevant authorities to immediately address problems faced by people using digital payment services. He also stressed the need to ensure reliable internet access and provide easy-to-use digital payment facilities across the country.

Shehbaz said the Raast QR payment system was playing an important role in promoting digital transactions and directed authorities to continue supporting its expansion.

He also ordered a public awareness campaign to encourage consumers to pay their electricity and gas bills through QR codes printed on utility bills.

All federal ministries and government institutions have been directed to ensure full implementation of the government’s cashless economy plan.

The government has already set December 2026 as the deadline for shifting most federal and provincial government payments to digital channels.

Meanwhile, payments under the Benazir Income Support Programme have already been fully shifted to digital wallets.

The government will also discontinue cheque-based payments through Asaan Assignment Accounts from November 15. Starting November 16, these payments will be processed through the Raast digital payment system across the country.

Drawing and disbursing officers have already received training for the transition.

Authorities are also working on digital payment arrangements for areas without internet connectivity, while efforts to expand internet infrastructure nationwide are continuing.