The Punjab Revenue Authority has issued a province-wide directive mandating the adoption of Raast QR code–based digital payment facilities by restaurants, hotels, and beauty parlours operating across Punjab. The instruction was formalized through PRA’s Circular No. 1 of 2026, issued on January 23, 2026, under reference No. PRA.Circulars-32-24/1276, and represents a significant regulatory push to accelerate digital payments and improve financial documentation within the services economy.
According to the circular, all businesses falling under the specified categories are required to obtain a Raast QR code–enabled bank account from the State Bank of Pakistan within 14 days of the issuance of the notification. The directive further requires that the QR-based payment facility must be fully active and operational, enabling customers to make digital payments seamlessly. In addition, businesses are instructed to display the QR code at a clearly visible and accessible location within their premises to ensure ease of use for customers.
The Punjab Revenue Authority stated that the move is aligned with the broader vision of both federal and provincial governments to promote transparency, strengthen documentation, and enhance the ease of doing business in Pakistan. Restaurants, hotels, and beauty parlours were specifically targeted due to their high transaction volumes and daily customer interactions, which make them key contributors to the services sector and an important focus area for formalizing economic activity.
Raast, the instant payment system developed and operated under the oversight of the State Bank of Pakistan, has been positioned as a cornerstone of the country’s digital payments infrastructure. Through QR code–based payments, customers can transfer funds directly from their bank accounts using mobile banking applications, eliminating the need for cash handling or card-based payment terminals. For merchants, this model offers lower setup costs, faster settlements, and a transparent transaction trail.
By mandating Raast QR payments, the PRA aims to reduce reliance on cash transactions, which have historically limited accurate reporting and hindered effective tax documentation in the services sector. Digital payments routed through formal banking channels provide verifiable transaction records, enabling better compliance monitoring while also supporting businesses in managing their revenues more efficiently. The authority emphasized that the initiative is intended to facilitate customers while encouraging the adoption of secure and modern payment practices.
The circular outlines clear compliance expectations and timelines, signaling a firm regulatory stance. Businesses that fail to implement the required digital payment facilities within the stipulated period may face enforcement actions under applicable tax and regulatory frameworks. The requirement to conspicuously display QR codes also introduces a degree of consumer-driven accountability, as customers can expect digital payment options to be readily available.
This development reflects a growing integration of fintech infrastructure into regulatory policy at the provincial level. While Raast has already gained traction in peer-to-peer transfers and government disbursements, its mandated use in commercial service sectors marks a shift toward embedding digital payments into everyday economic activity. Industry observers note that this could significantly expand Raast’s footprint and accelerate broader fintech adoption across urban and semi-urban markets in Punjab.
The notification was issued by the Finance Department of the Government of the Punjab through the Punjab Revenue Authority and signed by Khalid Mahmood Tipu, Chief (HQ), PRA. Copies of the circular have been forwarded to multiple government departments and offices, including the Punjab Printing Press for publication in the official gazette, underscoring its legal and administrative standing.
While some small and medium-sized businesses may initially face operational adjustments, particularly in onboarding bank accounts and training staff, the long-term implications are expected to be positive. Digital payment adoption can improve operational efficiency, reduce cash management risks, and enhance customer convenience. For regulators, the shift supports improved documentation and more effective revenue administration.
Overall, the PRA’s directive marks a notable step in Punjab’s transition toward a cashless services economy. By leveraging the State Bank–backed Raast system, the province is using fintech-enabled regulation to advance transparency, modernize payments, and align service sector practices with evolving national digital finance goals.
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