
Pakistan Digital Payments Growth is rapidly transforming how people and businesses handle money, and the latest quarterly report from the State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) confirms just how fast this shift is happening. Covering the period from October to December 2025, the report highlights a clear move away from cash toward a digital-first economy.
Digital Payments Now Dominate Everyday Transactions
Pakistan Digital Payments Growth has reached a new milestone, with 92% of all retail transactions now conducted digitally, up from 88% last year. This signals growing trust in digital platforms among consumers and businesses alike.
During the quarter:
• Retail transactions hit 3.4 billion, marking an 8% increase from the previous quarter
• Total transaction value rose to PKR 167 trillion, up by 7%
Out of these, 3.1 billion transactions were digital, contributing PKR 64 trillion to the economy an impressive indicator of Pakistan’s evolving financial habits.
Mobile Apps Lead Pakistan Digital Payments Growth
One of the strongest drivers behind Pakistan Digital Payments Growth is mobile app usage. Banking apps, branchless banking platforms, and EMIs are now the go-to tools for millions.
• 2.6 billion transactions were made via mobile apps
• These accounted for 83% of all digital payments
• Total value reached PKR 40 trillion
From sending money to paying bills and shopping online, mobile apps are reshaping daily financial interactions across urban and rural Pakistan.
Meanwhile, internet banking also gained traction, with transaction volumes rising by 11% and value increasing by 22%, showing that users are exploring multiple digital channels.
Raast System Accelerates Instant Transfers Across Pakistan
Pakistan Digital Payments Growth is also being powered by the country’s instant payment infrastructure, Raast Instant Payment System.
In Q2 FY26:
• 645.7 million transactions were processed
• Total value reached PKR 18.5 trillion
Person-to-person (P2P) transfers dominated:
• 603 million transactions, up 13%
• Value of PKR 15.7 trillion
Business and government adoption is also rising. Over 9 million bulk transactions worth PKR 2.6 trillion were processed, highlighting Raast’s growing role in corporate and public sector payments.
Cards, ATMs, and Retail Payments Still Hold Ground
Despite the digital boom, traditional payment methods remain relevant in Pakistan’s hybrid financial ecosystem.
• Total payment cards reached 66.7 million
o 87% debit cards
o 5% credit cards
Card usage at retail outlets and online platforms is increasing steadily, with around 1.7 million transactions happening daily.
Meanwhile, Pakistan’s ATM network:
• 20,976 machines nationwide
• Processed 277 million transactions worth PKR 4.9 trillion
These figures show that while digital is growing, cash and card-based systems still support a significant portion of the economy.
Branch Banking and Agents Continue Serving Millions
Pakistan Digital Payments Growth doesn’t mean traditional banking is fading. Instead, it’s evolving.
• 20,143 bank branches handled 138 million transactions worth PKR 102 trillion
• 763,262 banking agents facilitated 135 million transactions worth PKR 0.9 trillion
These channels remain essential, especially in rural and underserved areas, ensuring financial inclusion across the country.
What This Means for Pakistan’s Financial Future
The latest data from the State Bank of Pakistan paints a clear picture: Pakistan is steadily moving toward a digitally inclusive economy.
Pakistan Digital Payments Growth is not just about convenience it’s about:
• Expanding financial access
• Improving transparency
• Enabling faster business transactions
• Supporting economic growth
As platforms like Raast, mobile banking, and fintech solutions continue to evolve, Pakistan’s payment landscape is expected to become even more efficient and accessible in the coming years.