The government will discontinue cheque payments under the Asaan Assignment Accounts (AAA) system from November 15. All payments through these accounts nationwide will move exclusively to Raast from November 16, officials told a meeting on Friday. Drawing and disbursing officers have already completed training for the transition.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif chaired the meeting in Islamabad on November 6 to review progress towards a cashless economy. Officials said federal and provincial departments were advancing payment digitisation. Most institutions expect to complete the process by December 2026.
Shehbaz directed authorities to prepare a clear roadmap for establishing a fully digital payments system across Pakistan. He asked for specific targets and deadlines and instructed ministries and government institutions to implement the cashless economy plan.
He also ordered officials to resolve technical difficulties and consumer complaints without delay. Wider access to technology and reliable internet connectivity, he said, would underpin the transition. The prime minister described digital payments as a government priority and commended the finance ministry and other institutions for their work.
Officials reported that the Benazir Income Support Programme now makes all payments through digital wallets. They also briefed the meeting on efforts to develop a payment mechanism for areas without internet access. Work on that mechanism remains under way, alongside infrastructure development to improve connectivity nationwide.
Raast QR payments and utility bills
The meeting reviewed efforts to encourage digital transactions between consumers and merchants through Raast QR codes. Shehbaz directed that the initiative continue with government backing, saying it supported the cashless economy plan.
He also ordered an effective media campaign encouraging electricity and gas consumers to scan the QR codes printed on their bills. The campaign would promote digital payments for routine household expenses as the government expands adoption across public institutions and businesses.
Raast is Pakistan’s national instant payment system. It enables transfers between individuals, businesses and government entities in real time. Its infrastructure connects participating financial institutions, allowing customers and merchants to transact across different providers.
SBP’s guidance lists mobile applications, internet banking, USSD and branches among the available channels, depending on the participating bank. Customers can send money using a registered Raast ID or an IBAN. A Raast ID links a mobile number to an account, simplifying the details recipients share to receive funds.
Participants included Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb, IT Minister Shaza Fatima and Information Minister Attaullah Tarar. Maritime Affairs Minister Junaid Anwar Chaudhry, Petroleum Minister Ali Pervaiz Malik and Power Minister Awais Leghari also attended.
Adviser on Political Affairs Rana Sanaullah, Minister of State for Finance Bilal Kayani and SBP Governor Jameel Ahmad joined the meeting. Provincial chief secretaries and senior government officials also participated in the review of payment digitisation and the nationwide Raast transition.
