Pakistan to shift AAA payments to Raast as cheque use ends in November

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Pakistan AAA payments go digital

Highlights

Pakistan mandates all AAA payments to switch from cheques to the Raast digital system nationwide starting November 16, with officers already trained.
Federal and provincial departments are progressing towards full digitisation, targeting completion by December 2026, while Benazir Income Support Programme payments now use digital wallets exclusively.
The government is expanding Raast QR code payments and accelerating efforts to build infrastructure and enable digital transactions even in areas lacking internet access.

Government rollout and payment timeline

As reported by Business Recorder, the decision is announced at a high-level meeting on promoting a cashless economy chaired by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif. Officials tell the meeting that all payments through AAA across the country are to be made digitally through the Raast system from November 16, and that drawing and disbursing officers have already received training for the transition.

The meeting is told that digitisation is advancing across federal and provincial government departments, with most institutions expected to complete the process by December 2026. Officials also say payments under the Benazir Income Support Programme are now being made entirely through digital wallets.

The prime minister directs relevant authorities to prepare a clear roadmap with specific targets and deadlines for a fully digital payments system across the country. He also calls on ministries and government institutions to ensure full implementation of the government's cashless economy plan.

Access, infrastructure and wider adoption

Sharif says digital payments must be accessible to all sections of society and directs officials to resolve technical and consumer-related problems without delay. He adds that broader access to technology and reliable internet connectivity are essential for the initiative's success.

The meeting also reviews efforts to expand Raast QR code payments between consumers and merchants. The prime minister says the initiative should continue under government patronage and calls for a media campaign encouraging electricity and gas consumers to pay bills by scanning the QR codes printed on them.

Officials say work is under way on a system that would enable digital transactions in areas without internet access. They add that efforts are also being accelerated to build the infrastructure needed for improved internet connectivity across the country.

Our earlier coverage of Pakistan’s Tax Year 2026 income tax filing deadline highlighted growing pressure on the Federal Board of Revenue to grant more time for submissions. The article explained that business groups and tax experts cited repeated IRIS portal glitches, delays tied to the finalisation of return forms, and the risk of penalties for taxpayers struggling with system issues.

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