PM Shehbaz’s step towards a cashless future

July 15, 2026

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has taken a step that deserves support. He has directed authorities to move all overseas remittances through digital channels. This decision is not just a policy detail. It is part of a bigger plan to build a cashless economy in Pakistan. That plan makes sense for the country’s future.

The numbers already tell a positive story. Officials revealed that 92 per cent of overseas remittances between July 2025 and June 2026 were sent through digital channels. Pakistan recorded 11.9 billion digital transactions in that period. Mobile banking users jumped from 95 million to 137 million. These figures show that digital finance is not a distant dream. It is already happening at scale.

The prime minister was right to praise this growth and push for more. He directed banks and financial institutions to expand digital payment services further. This is the correct approach. Institutions cannot sit back once progress begins. They must keep building on it.

QR code payments are another bright spot. More merchants are accepting digital payments every month. The number crossed two million by June 2026. This growth benefits small shopkeepers and large businesses alike. Digital payments reduce theft risk, save time, and create clear transaction records.

NADRA’s progress also stands out. Ninety nine per cent of its payments are now digitised. Cash transactions have dropped considerably across the system. This shift improves transparency in government dealings.

Perhaps the most meaningful change involves the Benazir Income Support Programme. Around 10 million beneficiaries now receive payments through digital wallets. This matters deeply. Vulnerable families no longer need to travel long distances or wait in long queues to collect cash. Digital wallets make aid faster, safer, and more dignified.

A third-party assessment of this entire initiative is underway. That is a wise move. Independent review will help identify gaps and confirm real progress.

The government is moving in the right direction. A cashless economy reduces corruption, improves transparency, and empowers ordinary citizens. The government deserves credit for this push, and it must keep the momentum going.