The National Information Technology Board (NITB) is actively upgrading public service platforms. Specifically, NITB is integrating digital payments and Raast services into various government systems. This major initiative will enable citizens to pay utility bills, taxes, and service fees electronically. Furthermore, the unified digital payment mechanism covers payments for licensing, certificates, and applications.
Supported Payment Channels & System Features
NITB recently issued a request for proposals for integrating these Raast services and digital payments. According to the document, the proposed system will support multiple electronic channels. Therefore, citizens can freely use debit and credit cards, QR-based payments, and interbank funds transfers (IBFT). Additionally, the system includes branchless banking agents, the Request to Pay (RTP) facility, and the Raast payment system.
Moreover, NITB established strict technical requirements for the proposed arrangement. The system must provide real-time payment confirmation, automated transaction reconciliation, and secure processing. Consequently, payments will settle directly into accounts identified by the NITB. Service providers cannot retain any funds in their own settlement accounts.
Additionally, the system will feature reporting dashboards, refund facilities, and mechanisms to handle payment disputes and chargebacks. Service providers must ensure round-the-clock availability. They will also offer ongoing technical support and thoroughly train NITB staff to operate the newly integrated system.
Strict Security & Data Protocols
Security remains a massive priority for this digital transition. NITB requires multi-factor authentication, robust data encryption, and active fraud detection. Furthermore, the system must monitor transactions strictly for anti-money laundering and counter-terrorism financing compliance.
Meanwhile, the board mandates that all transaction data remains hosted within Pakistan. Service providers must also conduct periodic vulnerability assessments and penetration testing. Currently, digital payment channels are becoming crucial for facilitating electronic transactions and improving public access. However, the official tender document does not specify an implementation timeline, target number of users, or projected transaction volumes.
Bidding & Vendor Requirements
To ensure technical capacity, NITB invited bids exclusively from scheduled banks and fintech companies. These firms must hold active registrations with the Securities and Exchange Commission of Pakistan (SECP) and licenses from the State Bank of Pakistan (SBP).
Eligible companies must possess at least five years of experience in online payment integration or digital banking solutions. Additionally, they must demonstrate existing integrations with a minimum of five major clients. NITB also requires valid PCI-DSS certification, ISO 27001 or equivalent certification, and an active or committed integration with Raast.
Finally, the procurement will follow a strict single-stage, two-envelope process. The board will only consider financial proposals after a firm achieves technical qualification. Ultimately, the financial evaluation will prioritize lower transaction charges for citizens alongside a higher revenue share for NITB.
