The State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) has officially launched a nationwide “Go Cashless” campaign aimed at promoting digital payments and minimizing cash transactions during the upcoming Eid-ul-Azha festivities. This campaign, which commenced on May 20, 2025, and will continue until the night of Eid on June 6, 2025, reflects the SBP’s ongoing commitment to advancing digital financial inclusion across the country.
Eid-ul-Azha is a significant occasion in Pakistan where the buying and selling of sacrificial animals take center stage, particularly in cattle markets. Recognizing the potential to enhance the efficiency and security of financial transactions in these bustling marketplaces, the SBP has partnered with the banking sector to encourage the use of digital payment methods in 54 designated cattle markets nationwide. This initiative builds on the momentum generated by last year’s campaign, which saw successful digital adoption among market participants, and now aims to broaden the reach and impact of cashless transactions during this important festival.
The “Go Cashless” campaign encourages market buyers and sellers to leverage a variety of digital payment options, simplifying transactions for purchasing sacrificial animals. Beyond animal purchases, digital payments can also be utilized for related expenses such as feeding, water supply, and parking fees within these cattle markets. This not only streamlines the payment process but also reduces the risks associated with carrying large amounts of cash in crowded market environments.
To further facilitate digital transactions during this period, the SBP has temporarily increased transaction limits for several financial products, effective from May 19 to June 15, 2025. Specifically, Branchless Banking Level-1 Accounts, Asaan Accounts, Asaan Digital Accounts, and Merchant Accounts will benefit from the removal of daily transaction limits and an increase in the monthly transaction limit to PKR 5,000,000. This adjustment is intended to encourage both merchants and buyers to fully utilize digital payment services without the constraints of usual transaction caps.
The campaign emphasizes the convenience, security, and transparency that digital payments offer, positioning them as the preferred payment method in the lead-up to and during Eid-ul-Azha. The State Bank of Pakistan stresses that wider adoption of digital financial services during this period can significantly contribute to creating a more efficient, secure, and inclusive financial ecosystem in Pakistan. The campaign also aligns with broader efforts to promote digitalization and reduce dependency on cash, which is a crucial step towards modernizing the country’s payment infrastructure.
As Pakistan continues to push for greater financial inclusion, initiatives like the “Go Cashless” campaign play an essential role in familiarizing the general public with digital payment tools and services. By encouraging the use of electronic payments in high-transaction settings such as cattle markets, the SBP is facilitating a shift towards safer, more traceable, and efficient financial exchanges that can benefit consumers and businesses alike.
Overall, the nationwide “Go Cashless” campaign marks a significant stride in Pakistan’s fintech journey, reflecting the country’s readiness to embrace digital financial technologies and reduce cash dependency. The State Bank of Pakistan’s proactive approach not only supports the immediate transactional needs of Eid-ul-Azha but also lays the groundwork for sustained digital financial growth in the future. Participants in this campaign are urged to take full advantage of the enhanced transaction limits and digital payment options available during this festive season to help build a more resilient and modern financial system.
