Karachi: The State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) has reported that its nationwide “Go Cashless” campaign facilitated more than 481,000 digital transactions worth over PKR 34 billion during Eid-ul-Azha 2026.
The initiative was launched to promote digital payments in cattle markets and was implemented across 123 markets nationwide. According to the central bank, the campaign was significantly expanded this year, up from 54 cattle markets covered in 2025.
Under the programme, 22 participating banks established camps and kiosks at designated cattle markets to help buyers, sellers, transporters, and other service providers adopt digital payment methods. Banks also conducted biometric verification and issued QR codes to enable the receipt of digital payments.
To support financial services in the markets, mobile banking vans equipped with ATMs, cash counters, and cash deposit machines were deployed at selected locations. These facilities allowed merchants to access banking services on-site and deposit cash directly into the banking system.
SBP said the campaign led to a substantial increase in the use of digital payments compared to the previous year. The number of transactions rose more than sevenfold from around 65,000 in 2025 to over 481,000 in 2026, while the value of transactions increased from PKR 4.6 billion to PKR 34 billion.
The central bank also reported that approximately 12,500 new accounts were opened for cattle farmers and related service providers during the campaign.
According to SBP, the results indicate growing adoption of digital payment channels in traditionally cash-based sectors and support broader efforts to promote financial inclusion and digital transactions across the country.
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