Digital transactions through Raast surged to Rs6.4 trillion during the second quarter of 2025, marking a significant rise in the adoption of digital payments across Pakistan, said State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) Deputy Governor Saleem Ullah on Saturday. He was speaking at the launch of the central bank’s “Go Cashless” campaign.
The initiative, launched in collaboration with 12 major financial institutions, is part of the SBP’s broader push to raise awareness about the benefits of digital payments and strengthen financial inclusion across the country.
While digital transactions have grown steadily in urban areas, usage in rural regions remains limited. To bridge this gap, the SBP has launched Financial Literacy Week, aimed at encouraging greater participation from underserved communities in the formal banking system. The initiative targets wider engagement from Pakistan’s population of over 250 million.
Mr Saleem said the “Go Cashless” campaign is designed not just as a one-off activity but as part of a long-term vision to move towards a digital economy. “This is about building a future where digital payments become the norm, not the exception,” he said.
According to SBP data, its Raast platform recorded 795.7 million transactions valued at Rs6.4 trillion in the April–June quarter of 2025. Since its launch, Raast has processed more than 892 million transactions amounting to Rs20 trillion.
Mr Saleem added that mobile and internet banking saw a 62 per cent jump in usage, while overall digital transactions rose by 35 per cent during FY24.
He described the campaign as a reflection of the country’s digital future—one focused on inclusion, innovation, and integration. The central bank envisions a cashless ecosystem where digital payments become the go-to option for everyone, whether it’s a street vendor or a large retailer.
He noted that outreach efforts, such as setting up awareness booths in local malls, are meant to show the public that going cashless is not only convenient but also safe and empowering.
The SBP has also introduced several schemes in recent years to expand banking services to the wider population, including overseas Pakistanis.
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