Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has intensified the government’s push toward a cashless, digital economy, ordering the full digitisation of State-Owned Enterprises (SOEs) and the accelerated implementation of Raast, Pakistan’s national digital payment platform.

Chairing a high-level meeting on Monday, the Prime Minister emphasized that digitisation is central to the government’s agenda of transparency, accountability, and ease of doing business. He directed the swift appointment of Raast’s Board of Governors and Chairman by September, and instructed that SOEs fully adopt digital systems for salaries, pensions, and contractor transactions in the first phase of the national digital economy roadmap.

“Digital Economy Must Empower Everyone”

“We must ensure that the digital transition not only strengthens governance but also makes life easier for the common citizen and small businesses,” PM Shehbaz said, calling for digital solutions that cater to both the public and the business sector.

No Import Duties on Digital Payment Devices

To support this shift, the government has abolished import duties on digital payment devices, a move aimed at boosting accessibility and adoption among retailers and consumers. A public awareness campaign is also set to launch next month to promote the benefits of Raast and encourage nationwide usage.

Infrastructure and Leadership Enhancements Underway

An advertisement has been issued to recruit a Chief Executive Officer (CEO) for Raast, while the Digital Payments Index, designed to track progress and align Pakistan with global digital standards, will launch within a month.

Officials informed the Prime Minister that digital payment volumes are expected to double from Rs7.5 billion to Rs15 billion, while users of mobile apps and digital banking services are projected to grow from 95 million to 120 million.

Islamabad to Lead as Smart Digital City

The Capital Development Authority (CDA) has approved a right-of-way for digital public infrastructure in Islamabad. The Islamabad City mobile app has already been integrated with Raast, and new public Wi-Fi zones and e-libraries are set to open across key areas of the capital by December 2025.

PM Shehbaz also directed that economic and tech experts be included on Raast’s Board of Directors to ensure that strategic decisions align with market realities and business needs.

The Prime Minister concluded the meeting by reaffirming the government’s resolve to make Pakistan a leader in the digital economy through policy innovation, inclusive infrastructure, and institutional reforms.