Pakistan Sees Surge in Mobile App Payments

Mobile apps dominate Pakistan’s payments with 2.6 billion transactions, signaling rapid growth in digital finance and rising reliance on cashless solutions.

Mobile-based payments continued to lead Pakistan’s digital transaction landscape in the second quarter of FY26, according to the State Bank of Pakistan’s latest review.
During the period, users carried out around 2.6 billion transactions through mobile applications provided by banks, branchless banking services, and electronic money institutions. These transactions made up 62 percent of all digital payments, with a combined value of Rs. 40 trillion. Services ranged from person-to-person transfers to bill settlements and merchant payments across both online and physical stores.
The broader digital payments ecosystem also showed strong momentum, reaching 3.1 billion transactions worth Rs. 64 trillion. Internet banking usage increased steadily, with volumes rising by 11 percent and transaction value growing by 22 percent.
Raast, the country’s instant payment system, maintained its upward trajectory, handling 645.7 million transactions totaling Rs. 18.5 trillion. Growth was largely driven by person-to-person transfers, which saw a notable increase during the quarter.
Card usage and infrastructure also expanded, while ATMs, bank branches, and agents continued to support high transaction volumes, reflecting a balanced shift toward digital alongside traditional banking channels.