In a significant step toward accelerating financial digitization across the country, the federal government of Pakistan has decided to make QR codes mandatory on all electricity, telephone, and gas bills to encourage the use of digital payments. The initiative, aimed at strengthening the digital economy and reducing reliance on cash transactions, was approved in a high-level meeting chaired by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif.
The inclusion of QR codes on utility bills will allow citizens to conveniently scan and pay their dues using mobile apps and online banking services, aligning with global trends toward faster, safer, and more transparent payment mechanisms. The decision reflects the government’s commitment to building a more inclusive and accessible financial infrastructure through technology.
The push for digital payments is not limited to utility services. According to the same meeting’s outcomes, the Secretary of Petroleum and the Chairman of the Oil and Gas Regulatory Authority (OGRA) have been tasked with preparing a comprehensive plan within the next month. This plan will ensure that all fuel stations across Pakistan are equipped with digital payment options, including QR code scanning, Point-of-Sale (PoS) terminals, and soft PoS systems. These payment modes are expected to standardize transactions across fuel stations and further encourage a shift away from cash.
To ensure that these changes are fully implemented across all sectors, the Capital Development Authority (CDA) Chairman has been directed to review and amend existing laws to make digital payment acceptance mandatory for all utilities and related services. This step indicates a wider digital reform agenda targeting not only payments but also regulatory support for emerging fintech services.
The meeting also approved revised digital payment targets for the State Bank of Pakistan (SBP), reflecting the central bank’s evolving role in facilitating the transition to a cashless economy. In support of this transformation, the Finance Ministry and SBP will increase the subsidy ceiling to Rs. 3.5 billion. This financial backing aims to offset operational costs incurred by digital payment service providers and to ease the adoption burden for small businesses and service outlets.
Under the new policy, banks will be allowed to charge merchants a maximum Merchant Discount Rate (MDR) of 0.25 percent on digital transactions. Any additional cost exceeding this rate will be absorbed by the payment service providers themselves, ensuring that the adoption of digital payment solutions remains affordable and sustainable for merchants.
In a coordinated move to ensure nationwide adoption, the Government Payments Sub-Committee has also been directed to revise the implementation timelines of these reforms in collaboration with provincial authorities. This strategic coordination highlights the importance of federal and provincial alignment in pushing Pakistan’s digital transformation agenda forward.
With these decisions, the government is making a strong statement about its intent to modernize the country’s financial landscape. From households paying monthly bills to fuel stations offering digital options, Pakistan is setting a new standard for financial accessibility and transparency in the region.
