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In a move to ensure transparency and efficiency, the Government of Pakistan has decided to conduct an independent review and audit of its ambitious cashless economy initiative. The decision aims to evaluate the initiative’s design, implementation, impact, and governance mechanisms, reflecting the government’s commitment to a digitally enabled and transparent financial ecosystem.
The audit will assess the progress, efficiency, and effectiveness of the ongoing program, which seeks to transition both public and private sectors toward digital payments. The initiative, overseen directly by the Prime Minister, is part of a larger vision to enhance financial inclusion, improve service delivery, and minimize leakages in government transactions.
According to official sources, the initiative includes the creation of a Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI) to support online payments via the RAAST system, alongside developing a national data exchange layer and single-sign-on access for citizens. To promote adoption, the government is encouraging merchants nationwide to accept digital payments by deploying QR codes, reducing transaction fees, and cutting duties on payment equipment.
A senior government official said,
“This is a transformative step to build a transparent, inclusive, and efficient digital economy.”
The government has also abolished Right-of-Way (ROW) charges for telecom companies to accelerate fiberization and improve connectivity. Entities such as Pakistan Railways, NHA, and CDA have already implemented zero ROW fees, with provincial governments expected to follow.
The initiative is being monitored by a steering committee led by the Prime Minister, supported by three sub-committees focusing on digital payments innovation, infrastructure development, and government payment digitization.
An international consultancy firm will soon be hired through competitive bidding to carry out the independent evaluation of the cashless economy program and recommend improvements.
