Digital payments expanded to cattle markets

KARACHI: The State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) on Friday announced the launch of a nationwide ‘Go Cashless’ campaign for Eidul Azha to promote secure, convenient,. cashless transactions in cattle markets.

The initiative forms part of SBP’s broader strategic vision to reduce reliance on cash. to accelerate the digitisation of the country’s payment ecosystem.

During the religious festival, cattle markets see significant economic and commercial activity, much of which remains cash-based. Recognising the scale of these transactions. the opportunity to expand digital financial inclusion, SBP has been actively leveraging this seasonal activity over the past few years to promote the adoption of digital payment channels in cattle markets, according to a central bank circular.

Building on the success of previous campaigns. the initiative has been significantly expan­ded, with coverage increasing from 54 cattle markets in 2025 to 96 markets this year.

22 banks to onboard sellers, deploy QR codes for transactions

Under the campaign, 22 participating banks will establish dedicated camps. kiosks in assigned cattle markets to facilitate digital payments for buyers and sellers.

The participating banks will onboard cattle sellers (beoparis), transporters,. allied service providers onto digital payment channels through account opening and deployment of QR code-based payment solutions.

To facilitate higher transaction volumes. SBP has also introduced temporary relaxations on transactional and/or account balance limits, effective from May 14 to June 5.

In addition, mobile banking vans, ATMs,. Cash Deposit Machines (CDMs) will also be deployed, where feasible, to improve access to financial services in and around cattle markets.

The SBP said it encourages the public to use digital payment channels, including mobile banking apps, branchless banking wallets, Raast-enabled services,. QR code payments, to carry out transactions during the Eid season.

Published in Dawn, May 16th, 2026