Karandaaz Pakistan, in collaboration with the United Nations’ Better Than Cash Alliance, has launched a new working group aimed at accelerating the adoption of digital merchant payments across Pakistan and advancing the country’s transition toward a more inclusive digital economy. The initiative seeks to bring together key stakeholders from the financial services industry, fintech sector, merchants, regulators and development partners to address barriers to digital payment adoption.
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The working group will focus on expanding the acceptance and usage of digital payment solutions among merchants, particularly small and medium-sized businesses. By promoting digital transactions, the initiative aims to improve financial inclusion, enhance business efficiency and support the formalisation of economic activity.
According to stakeholders, merchant payments remain a critical component of Pakistan’s digital finance ecosystem. While digital financial services have expanded significantly in recent years, increasing merchant acceptance of digital payments is viewed as essential for creating a sustainable cashless economy.
Karandaaz Pakistan has been actively involved in strengthening the country’s digital financial infrastructure through initiatives focused on payment systems, financial inclusion and digital innovation. The organisation has played a key role in supporting ecosystem development around digital payments and financial technology solutions.
The working group is expected to facilitate dialogue on policy, technology, interoperability, merchant onboarding and customer awareness while identifying practical measures to increase digital payment acceptance across retail and commercial sectors.
Industry experts believe greater adoption of merchant payments can help reduce cash handling costs, improve transaction transparency and provide businesses with access to formal financial services and credit opportunities. Digital payment systems also play a crucial role in expanding financial access for underserved communities and small enterprises.
The launch reflects growing momentum behind Pakistan’s digital transformation agenda, as public and private sector stakeholders continue to invest in payment infrastructure, fintech innovation and financial inclusion initiatives designed to accelerate the country’s shift toward a digitally enabled economy.
