QR Codes Now Mandatory on Pakistan Bills

In a huge effort towards a digital Pakistan the federal government has finally announced that electricity, phone, and gas bills will now be compulsory to include QR codes. That means one thing, simple, quick, and safe digital payments from your phone. No more waiting in long queues or handling printed bills.

A meeting was held that was presided by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, in which this decision was taken.

A full digitalization is being put into effect on a level playing field. The Petroleum Secretary and Chairman OGRA have been instructed to prepare a plan within one month to introduce QR codes, PoS, and soft PoS payments at all petrol pumps across the country. Even the CDA is entering the fray to review legislation so that all the utilities and services become legally bound to accept digital payments.

Fiscally, the Finance Ministry and State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) will raise the subsidy cap to Rs. 3.5 billion to support this shift. Banks can now charge a maximum MDR of 0.25% from merchants, with the service providers forking out any excess charge.

And, yes, SBP’s payment targets for digital payments are being reworked, including provinces for setting realistic implementation horizons.

So, in short Pakistan is getting digital and fast. From electricity bills to refueling your car tank, more QRs and fewer cash problems are in your future.

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