1LINK (Pvt) Limited has onboarded Star Logics (Pvt) Ltd. as a merchant aggregator on its 1GO Raast Person-to-Merchant (P2M) services, expanding access to QR-based digital payments for merchants. Under the arrangement, Star Logics merchants can accept digital payments through static QR codes, while Faysal Bank Limited will serve as the settlement bank. The development brings together 1LINK’s payment infrastructure, Star Logics’ merchant aggregation services, and Faysal Bank’s settlement capabilities to support electronic payments at merchant locations. The announcement highlights continued activity in Pakistan’s digital payments sector as financial institutions and payment service providers work to expand cashless transaction options for businesses and consumers.
The onboarding enables Star Logics to facilitate merchant acceptance of payments through 1GO Raast P2M services. Person-to-Merchant payments allow customers to pay businesses digitally, including through QR code-based transactions. With static QR codes, merchants can display a code that customers scan using a compatible banking or payment application to initiate a payment. This approach can offer a convenient alternative to cash, particularly for small businesses and retail outlets that need accessible payment acceptance methods. The announcement does not specify the number of merchants covered by the onboarding, the initial rollout locations, or the expected transaction volumes.
Raast is Pakistan’s instant payment system, designed to support digital fund transfers and payments through participating financial institutions. Its P2M functionality supports payments from customers to merchants, helping extend digital payment acceptance beyond person-to-person transfers. Merchant aggregators can play a role in connecting businesses with payment services and simplifying the process of accepting electronic transactions. Through the 1GO arrangement, Star Logics merchants will be able to accept payments using static QR codes, with Faysal Bank acting as the settlement bank. Specific details regarding settlement timelines, transaction charges, merchant eligibility, and technical integration were not included in the announcement.
The onboarding reflects ongoing efforts to expand digital payment acceptance in Pakistan by connecting merchants with existing payment infrastructure. QR-based payments can reduce the need for cash handling and provide customers with another way to complete purchases, while businesses gain access to electronic payment channels. The partnership also demonstrates the roles of payment networks, merchant aggregators, and settlement banks in supporting digital transactions. Although the announcement confirms the onboarding and the parties’ respective roles, further information about the rollout and merchant uptake has not been disclosed. The initiative adds another merchant aggregation arrangement to the growing ecosystem supporting Raast-based payments in Pakistan.
Follow the SPIN IDG WhatsApp Channel for updates across the Smart Pakistan Insights Network covering all of Pakistan’s technology ecosystem.
