Islamabad, 7 November, 2026 (Kamran Raja): Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif on Saturday chaired a high-level meeting to review progress on promoting a cashless economy in the country, focusing on expanding digital payment systems and accelerating the implementation of government initiatives. Addressing the meeting, the prime minister said promoting a cashless economy was among the government’s top priorities and that positive results had already begun to emerge. He appreciated the efforts of the Ministry of Finance and all relevant state institutions in this regard. The prime minister directed the authorities to present a clear roadmap, timelines and measurable targets for establishing a 100 per cent digital payment system across the country. He emphasized the need to promptly address problems faced by consumers using digital payment services and ensure nationwide internet connectivity and easier public access to technology to support the transition towards a cashless economy. Shehbaz Sharif also directed that the government-backed initiative to promote digital payments between consumers and merchants through the Raast QR Code system should continue. He observed that the system was playing an important role in advancing the government’s vision of a cashless economy. The prime minister further instructed the relevant authorities to launch an effective media campaign encouraging electricity and gas consumers to pay their utility bills through QR codes printed on bills. He also directed all ministries and government departments to ensure full implementation of the cashless economy initiative. During the briefing, the meeting was informed that efforts to digitize payments across federal and provincial government institutions were progressing rapidly, with most institutions expected to shift all their payments to digital channels by December 2026. It was also informed that 100 per cent of payments under the Benazir Income Support Programme were being disbursed through digital wallets, while work was underway to introduce an advanced system enabling digital payments in areas without internet connectivity. The meeting was further informed that cheque-based payments through Asaan Assignment Accounts would be discontinued from November 15, 2026. From November 16, all payments through these accounts would be processed through the Raast digital payment system. The Drawing and Disbursing Officers (DDOs) concerned had already received the necessary training for the transition. Federal Ministers Muhammad Aurangzeb, Shaza Fatima Khawaja, Attaullah Tarar, Junaid Anwar Chaudhry, Ali Pervaiz Malik and Sardar Awais Leghari, Prime Minister’s Adviser Rana Sanaullah, Minister of State for Finance Bilal Azhar Kiani, State Bank Governor Jameel Ahmad, provincial chief secretaries and senior officials of relevant institutions attended the meeting.