Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif today announced that the government is prioritizing the digitization of the national economy, aiming to shift financial dealings towards a cashless, digital framework.

During a Sunday review session in Islamabad on the progress of the cashless economy initiative, Sharif urged provincial chief secretaries to collaborate with federal authorities in extending the Raast digital payment platform to the district level.

He conveyed his contentment with the advancements made in the transition towards digital financial systems and a cashless society. Attendees received a briefing outlining Pakistan’s plan to establish a digital public infrastructure, including digital IDs for all citizens. These IDs will link national Identity Cards, biometric data, and mobile numbers, facilitating secure and streamlined transactions.

Significant progress has been reported from provincial administrations in connecting government-to-public and public-to-government payments using the Raast system.

Furthermore, federal development organizations have granted Right of Way access for fiber optic connectivity, while talks continue with Pakistan Railways and the National Highway Authority to broaden digital infrastructure.