ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has stressed that the government is giving top priority to building a cashless economy in Pakistan. He said the aim is to shift all financial transactions from cash to a digital system for the benefit of the people and the national economy.
Chairing a review meeting in Islamabad on Sunday, the Prime Minister expressed satisfaction over the steps taken so far towards this goal. He directed that all chief secretaries must fully support the federal government in extending the Raast digital payment system down to district governments.
Officials briefed the meeting on progress in promoting the cashless economy. It was explained that Pakistan Digital Public Infrastructure would play a vital role. Through this system, every citizen will have a digital identification linked with their national identity card, biometrics, and mobile number. Payments will then be made directly through these digital IDs, making the process easier and more secure.
The meeting was told that provincial governments had made notable progress in connecting payment systems. Both public-to-government and government-to-public transactions are being linked with the Raast system, ensuring faster and more transparent financial flows.
On digital infrastructure, it was informed that the Capital Development Authority had already granted right-of-way for fiber connectivity. Talks are underway with Pakistan Railways and the National Highway Authority to expand this facility further.
The session was attended by Federal Minister for Finance and Revenue Muhammad Aurangzeb, Federal Minister for Economic Affairs Ahad Khan Cheema, Federal Minister for Information and Broadcasting Attaullah Tarar, Federal Minister for Information Technology and Telecommunication Shaza Fatima Khawaja, Federal Minister for Petroleum Ali Pervaiz Malik, Adviser to the Prime Minister Dr Tauqir Shah, Minister of State for Finance and Railways Bilal Azhar Kayani, and other senior officials.
Tree Plantation Campaign
Meanwhile, Prime Minister Shehbaz also spoke about the government’s strong commitment to environmental protection. Launching the Monsoon Tree Plantation Drive, he said Pakistan will expand its forest cover and improve soil fertility through the Green Pakistan Programme.
He urged all citizens to take part in the campaign, calling it not just a symbolic gesture but a national duty. “Let us unite for this tree plantation campaign and build a clean, green, and healthy Pakistan for our future generations,” he said in his message.
The Prime Minister emphasized that both federal and provincial governments, along with community, social, and religious leaders, must work together for this cause. Citizens from all walks of life, he said, should take responsibility for making the campaign a success.
Shehbaz Sharif added that the government is running the campaign under different themes this year to underline the role of various segments of society in tree plantation and climate protection.