The State Bank of Pakistan (SBP), in collaboration with 12 leading financial institutions, has officially launched its “Go Cashless” campaign in Karachi. This strategic initiative aims to promote digital payment solutions and accelerate Pakistan’s transition toward a cashless economy.
The campaign inaugurated by SBP Deputy Governor Saleem Ullah at a major shopping mall in the Clifton area. According to an official SBP press release, the campaign is part of the central bank’s long-term efforts to increase financial inclusion and encourage economic documentation through the adoption of digital transactions.
Promoting Digital Payments Across Pakistan
“This ‘Go Cashless’ campaign is more than a single event,” stated Deputy Governor Saleem Ullah. “It reflects our long-term commitment to transitioning Pakistan toward a digital economy.”
The campaign designed to reach consumers and businesses at all levels, from small street vendors to large-scale retailers, encouraging them to shift from cash to digital payment modes. It aligns with the SBP’s vision of building a cash-lite economy, where digital transactions become the standard across all sectors.
Raast: Powering Pakistan’s Digital Financial Growth
Pakistan has seen remarkable progress in its digital financial infrastructure, driven largely by SBP’s instant payment system, Raast. Since its launch in 2021, Raast has processed over 892 million transactions, amounting to approximately Rs20 trillion ($72 billion).
In the second quarter of fiscal year 2025, Raast facilitated 795.7 million transactions worth Rs6.4 trillion ($23.04 billion), reflecting the growing confidence of both consumers and businesses in digital platforms.
A Step Toward a Cash-Lite Future
The “Go Cashless” campaign is a crucial milestone in Pakistan’s digital transformation journey. It aims to raise public awareness, increase merchant adoption of digital tools, and build trust in secure electronic payments. The SBP, through this initiative, is laying the groundwork for a future where cash is no longer the default transaction method.
As digital financial services continue to expand, the SBP encourages all stakeholders—including banks, fintechs, retailers, and consumers—to play an active role in supporting Pakistan’s move toward a digitally empowered economy.