Pakistan’s government has called for a roadmap with deadlines for a fully digital payments system. The directions came at a 6 November 2026 review meeting, according to Radio Pakistan’s official report dated 6 November. For households and small businesses, the useful distinction is between a policy goal and a payment change that already has an announced date.
What has been announced?
The prime minister directed authorities to continue support for merchant payments through Raast QR codes and promote paying electricity and gas bills through QR codes printed on bills. He also called for better internet access and prompt resolution of digital-payment problems.
These directions describe a programme of work. The cited announcement does not set a nationwide date when every consumer must stop using cash, or say that every merchant already accepts digital payments.
The dated change concerns Asaan Assignment Accounts
The meeting was told that cheque payments under Asaan Assignment Accounts would stop from 15 November 2026, followed by Raast payments under those accounts from 16 November. These dates concern that named account arrangement; readers should not apply them to all personal bank accounts or ordinary shopping payments.
The Associated Press of Pakistan dispatch published on 6 November at 4:30pm reports the same transition. The statements are an announced timetable, rather than evidence that the change has already been completed.
What should readers check before paying?
For a bill or shop purchase, check the payee and amount shown in your payment app before confirming, then retain the transaction reference. A policy announcement alone does not establish the fee or availability of a particular bank’s service; check those details with the provider.
Digital payments also differ from currency conversion. Families receiving overseas money should separately compare fees and the final rupees credited, as explained in our guide to comparing remittance exchange rates and PKR received.
Prepared with AI assistance from the dated official reporting and APP dispatch linked above. No claim of completed nationwide rollout is made.