Pakistan’s digital payments ecosystem witnessed a historic surge in 2025, with total transactions through the State Bank of Pakistan’s (SBP) instant payment system, RAAST, soaring to nearly Rs50 trillion, according to the central bank’s Financial Stability Review for 2025.
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The landmark achievement underscores a rapid behavioral shift among consumers and businesses alike, who are increasingly abandoning cash in favor of seamless, technology-driven financial solutions.
Massive User Adoption and Volume Growth
According to the report, RAAST’s user base surged to over 48 million individuals as the platform processed almost two billion transactions throughout the year. This widespread adoption highlights the growing public trust and reliance on formal digital financial channels.
| Key Performance Indicator | Achievement |
|---|---|
| Total Transaction Value | Nearly Rs50 trillion |
| Total Transactions Processed | Nearly 2 billion |
| User Base | Over 48 million |
| Financial Institutions Integrated | 53 |
Driving Financial Inclusion
The SBP highlighted that RAAST has become a cornerstone of Pakistan’s strategy to expand access to formal banking channels. The platform’s Person-to-Merchant (P2M) services have played a pivotal role in digitizing small transactions, enabling millions of individuals and small businesses to participate in the digital economy.
Growing Overseas Confidence
The Financial Stability Review also noted increasing participation by overseas Pakistanis. Total inflows through Roshan Digital Accounts (RDA) crossed $11 billion, while active accounts exceeded 890,000, reflecting sustained confidence in Pakistan’s digital financial infrastructure.
Future Outlook
SBP described digitalization as a key driver transforming Pakistan’s financial ecosystem. The central bank’s continued focus on modernizing payment systems, including the integration of all government payments onto the RAAST platform, is expected to further accelerate the transition to a cashless economy.
About RAAST
RAAST is Pakistan’s first instant payment system, launched by the State Bank of Pakistan to facilitate seamless, fee-free digital payments between individuals, businesses, and government entities. It is a key pillar of the country’s National Financial Inclusion Strategy.
