National Bank of Pakistan (NBP) has enabled digital passport fee collections through Raast Person-to-Merchant (P2M) QR, allowing citizens to pay passport fees conveniently through the mobile applications of participating banks.
The initiative is part of NBP’s ongoing digital transformation efforts and supports the Government of Pakistan’s broader Cashless Pakistan agenda to expand digital payments and accelerate the digitization of government collections and receipts.
NBP Reviews Raast-Based Passport Fee Solution
To review the implementation and explore further collaboration, Ch. Muhammad Ali Randhawa, Director General Immigration & Passports, along with his team, visited NBP Head Office in Karachi.
During the visit, he met with Mr. Abdul Wahid Sethi, SEVP & Group Chief/CFO, Financial Control Group; Mr. Faisal Topra, SEVP & Group Chief, Operations Group; and Mr. Adnan Nasir, CDO & Group Chief, Digital Banking Group, along with senior officials from NBP’s Digital Banking and Operations teams.
The discussions focused on the performance of the Raast-based cashless passport fee payment solution and potential opportunities to expand digital payment options.
PSID-Based Payment Mechanism Also Explored
The engagement also examined a PSID-based alternate payment mechanism.
The proposed option is aimed at providing greater convenience to citizens while helping ensure continuity of passport fee collections through digital channels.
The development reflects the growing use of interoperable payment systems for government-related transactions and supports the wider modernization of public-sector collections.
NBP Highlights Digital Transformation
Speaking on the occasion, Mr. Abdul Wahid Sethi said digital transformation is an important enabler of accessible, efficient and customer-centric public services.
He added that NBP is pleased to support the Government of Pakistan’s digital payments and cashless economy agenda and remains committed to using technology to make financial services simpler and more accessible for citizens.
The Director General Immigration & Passports also appreciated NBP’s efforts and collaboration in advancing digital transformation and improving public service delivery.
Raast Strengthens Pakistan’s Digital Payments Ecosystem
The successful implementation of the initiative further strengthens NBP’s role in enabling interoperable digital payments and modernizing government-related collections.
Raast is Pakistan’s instant payment system, designed to facilitate digital payments among individuals, businesses and government entities.
The integration of Raast P2M QR for passport fee payments represents another step toward expanding cashless transactions and building a more accessible digital payments ecosystem in Pakistan.