Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has directed authorities to further accelerate efforts aimed at promoting a cashless economy across the country.
The prime minister issued the instructions during a meeting with members of the RAAST board, where he also congratulated newly appointed members on assuming their responsibilities. He expressed confidence that the institution of national importance would be managed more effectively under their leadership.
Shehbaz Sharif said RAAST plays a key role in promoting a cashless economy and financial inclusion in Pakistan. He stressed the need to intensify efforts to encourage businesses across the country to adopt and use the RAAST digital payment platform.
During the meeting, board members gave a detailed briefing on the performance of RAAST. The prime minister was informed that since its launch, more than three billion transactions worth around Rs80 trillion have been processed through the system. The number of RAAST users has exceeded 48 million, while 53 financial institutions across the country are now connected to the platform.
The briefing further stated that RAAST operates under the State Bank of Pakistan. Except for one member, all board members have been selected from the private sector based on their extensive professional experience. The institution’s long-term vision includes shifting all government-to-business (G2B) and business-to-government (B2G) payments nationwide to the RAAST platform.
Officials said RAAST provides every individual with a secure and reliable digital payment system, aimed at improving transparency and ease of transactions.
The meeting was attended by Federal Minister for Finance Muhammad Aurangzeb, Information Minister Atta Tarar, Minister for Economic Affairs Ahad Khan Cheema, Minister for Information Technology Shaza Fatima Khawaja, Minister of State for Finance Bilal Azhar Kayani, the Governor of the State Bank of Pakistan, members of the RAAST board, the chief executive officer, and senior government officials.
