The State Bank of Pakistan has announced the expansion of its nationwide cashless payments initiative for Eidul Azha, aiming to promote digital transactions across cattle markets and reduce reliance on cash.
According to the central bank, the “Go Cashless” campaign has been significantly scaled up this year, with coverage increasing from 54 cattle markets in 2025 to 96 markets nationwide. The initiative is part of SBP’s broader strategy to accelerate the digitisation of Pakistan’s financial ecosystem and encourage secure, convenient payment methods.
Cattle markets see a surge in economic activity during Eidul Azha, with millions of transactions taking place as people purchase sacrificial animals. However, a large portion of this activity traditionally relies on cash, creating challenges related to security, transparency, and financial inclusion.
To address this, the SBP has partnered with 22 commercial banks that will set up dedicated camps and kiosks in selected cattle markets. These facilities will assist buyers, sellers, and service providers in adopting digital payment solutions.
As part of the campaign, banks will onboard cattle traders, transporters, and related businesses onto digital platforms by offering account opening services and deploying QR code-based payment systems. This move is expected to simplify transactions and reduce the risks associated with carrying large amounts of cash.
In addition, the SBP has introduced temporary relaxations in transaction and account balance limits to accommodate increased financial activity during the Eid season. These relaxations will remain in effect from May 14 to June 5.
To further enhance accessibility, mobile banking vans, automated teller machines (ATMs), and cash deposit machines will also be deployed in and around cattle markets where possible. These measures aim to ensure that users can easily access financial services during peak trading periods.
The central bank has encouraged the public to make use of digital payment channels, including mobile banking apps, branchless banking wallets, and Raast-enabled services, along with QR code payments.
The expanded initiative reflects the SBP’s ongoing efforts to bring high-volume seasonal transactions into the formal financial system. By promoting digital payments in traditionally cash-heavy environments, the central bank aims to strengthen financial inclusion and improve transaction security.
Experts believe that such initiatives could play a crucial role in transforming Pakistan’s payment landscape, especially by introducing digital solutions to underserved sectors. The campaign also highlights the growing importance of fintech solutions in modernising the country’s economy.
Overall, the SBP’s Eidul Azha cashless drive represents a significant step toward building a more digitised and transparent financial system, while offering greater convenience to consumers and businesses during one of the busiest economic periods of the year.
