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November 10, 2026
Pakistan will shift all Asaan Assignment Account payments to the Raast digital payment system from November 16, ending cheque-based transactions from November 15. The move is part of a wider government drive to digitise public payments and expand the country’s cashless economy.
Pakistan will discontinue cheque-based payments under Asaan Assignment Accounts from November 15, shifting all transactions under the system to the Raast digital payment network from November 16. The move is part of the government’s broader effort to digitise public-sector payments, reduce reliance on cash and establish a nationwide cashless economy.
The decision was announced during a high-level meeting chaired by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on November 6. According to Profit, officials confirmed that payments through Asaan Assignment Accounts would be processed exclusively through Raast from November 16. Drawing and Disbursing Officers (DDOs), responsible for handling government payments, have already received training to operate the new system.
The transition forms part of a wider government plan to digitise payments across federal and provincial institutions. Officials expect most government departments to complete the process by December 2026.
The prime minister directed authorities to prepare a comprehensive roadmap with specific timelines and measurable targets for establishing a fully digital payment system. He also instructed federal ministries and government institutions to ensure the complete implementation of the cashless economy initiative.
A separate report by Dawn highlighted the prime minister’s call for a “clear roadmap and time-bound targets” for nationwide digital payments. He also stressed the need to address difficulties faced by consumers using digital payment services and improve access to reliable internet and technology.
The meeting was informed that all Benazir Income Support Programme (BISP) payments were already being made through digital wallets, marking progress in the digitisation of government-to-person transfers.
The government is also developing an advanced payment mechanism for areas without internet connectivity, while working to expand internet infrastructure nationwide.
Sharif directed authorities to continue promoting digital transactions between consumers and merchants through the Raast QR Code system. He also called for a public awareness campaign encouraging electricity and gas consumers to pay utility bills through QR codes printed on their bills.
The meeting included Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb, IT Minister Shaza Fatima Khawaja, State Bank Governor Jameel Ahmad, provincial chief secretaries and other senior officials.
With cheque payments ending on November 15, the Raast transition represents another step towards digitising public-sector transactions. Its wider success will depend on reliable infrastructure, institutional readiness and accessible digital payment services.
