ISLAMABAD (Dunya News) - Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif announced that Benazir Income Support Programme (BISP) payment system will go digital starting this Ramazan.
Chairing a meeting to review progress on the digitalisation of BISP payments, PM Shehbaz said that the news system would ensure sustainable economic growth, better governance and reduced corruption.
According to an official statement, 10 million digital wallets under BISP are set to become operational by the end of this month. The move aims to facilitate millions of beneficiaries, particularly women, in accessing secure and transparent financial assistance.
During this meeting, premier was informed that electricity and gas bill payments are now being enabled through Raast QR codes, leading to billions of rupees in digital transactions. The government’s mobile application in Islamabad has also been integrated with Raast, while new business licence issuances are being linked to digital payment systems. QR codes have been introduced at retail outlets to promote electronic transactions nationwide.
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Officials also briefed the PM on progress regarding the licensing of digital banks, a vital step towards broader financial inclusion.
The prime minister praised the Finance Ministry, Ministry of IT, Federal Board of Revenue (FBR), State Bank of Pakistan, and other stakeholders for their “commendable work,” while directing them to achieve all targets within the defined timelines.
Noting that 68 per cent of Pakistan’s population has now achieved financial inclusion, PM Shehbaz urged further expansion of coverage. The meeting was attended by senior ministers, the State Bank governor, and heads of key financial and regulatory bodies.