CM Punjab Pushes People-Centric Urban Development
May 20, 2026
A new partnership aims to bring dependable offline digital payments to Pakistan’s underserved and low-connectivity communities.
Karandaaz Pakistan has entered into a collaboration with Finnect to advance offline digital payment solutions in areas where internet access remains inconsistent. The initiative is designed to support merchants and consumers who struggle to use digital financial services due to weak or unreliable connectivity.
Pakistan’s growing digital economy continues to face challenges linked to internet disruptions, particularly in rural districts and smaller urban markets. Limited connectivity often prevents small businesses and underserved communities from fully adopting cashless payment systems and participating in the formal financial ecosystem.
Through the partnership, Finnect will work on expanding offline-enabled payment infrastructure within the Raast framework. The company, which already operates Raast QR soundbox services in over 20 cities, plans to strengthen digital payment acceptance among merchants in Tier 2 and Tier 3 locations.
Speaking about the development,Waqas ul Hasan, CEO of Karandaaz Pakistan, said the country’s move toward a digital payments landscape should reflect the practical realities faced by communities with limited connectivity. He added that the collaboration is intended to support inclusive financial innovation while improving access to dependable payment systems for small merchants, farmers, and rural populations.
At the same event, Shahnawaz Mahmood, CEO of Finnect, said the partnership represents progress in making digital payments more accessible across Pakistan. He noted that Finnect intends to use its experience in Raast QR deployments to introduce payment solutions that remain functional and convenient even in areas facing connectivity barriers.
The collaboration also highlights Karandaaz Pakistan’s broader efforts to encourage financial inclusion through technology-focused initiatives. By promoting offline payment capabilities, the two organisations aim to reduce obstacles to digital transactions and widen access to financial services for communities operating outside major commercial hubs.
