Cashless digital economy to bring transparency in country: PM

PM stresses upholding UN’s principles, Charter. ISLAMABAD – Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has called upon banks and financial institutions to play their full role in promoting the cashless economy. Chairing a meeting in Islamabad, the prime minister commended the economic team’s performance regarding the progress made over the past year in transforming Pakistan’s economy into a cashless one based on digital payments. US-Iran battle intensifies over Hormuz control The prime minister directed authorities to further strengthen awareness campaigns to encourage merchants to adopt QR code-based digital payments. He said the increase in the number of mobile banking app users from 95 million to 137 million within one year is a major achievement. Shehbaz Sharif directed that all overseas remittances be processed through digital channels. He appreciated the transition of Benazir Income Support Programme (BISP) payments to a digital system, describing it as being transparent, efficient and more convenient for beneficiaries. PPP, PML-N begin campaign for AJK’s July 27 election The meeting was informed that the number of merchants receiving digital payments increased by three hundred percent in the past one year. It was informed that payments to ten million Benazir Income Support Programme beneficiaries are now being made through digital wallets. Ninety-two percent of remittances received over the past year were transferred through digital channels. It was informed that a third-party validation of the cashless economy initiative is underway, and the final report along with recommendations will be submitted in November this year. Field Marshal Asim Munir meets President Erdogan, Turkish military leadership Also, PM Shehbaz Sharif, Tuesday, called for upholding the purposes and principles of the Charter of the United Nations, faithful implementation of its resolutions and international treaties, as well as for achieving balanced progress across all three pillars of the United Nations – peace and security, development, and human rights. The prime minister expressed these views during a meeting with Michelle Bachelet, candidate for the position of the UN Secretary General, who called on him at PM House, the PM Office Media Wing said in a press release. Newly appointed ECP officers visit Federal Constitutional Court for capacity building Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Senator Muhammad Ishaq Dar and Foreign Secretary Amna Baloch were also present. While welcoming Bachelet to Pakistan, the prime minister reiterated Pakistan’s strong support for strengthening multilateralism as well as for ensuring the central role of the United Nations in addressing global challenges. He also called for enhanced international cooperation and increased focus on accelerating the implementation of the global development agenda. Bachelet commended Pakistan’s historic and invaluable contributions to the United Nations, and appreciated the country’s ongoing contributions to regional and international peace and security. Meanwhile, Prime Minister, Shehbaz Sharif on Tuesday strongly condemned the attacks on Saudi Arabia, describing them as a blatant violation of the Kingdom’s sovereignty and territorial integrity with the potential to further undermine regional peace and stability. “Pakistan strongly condemns the blatant attacks carried out against the brotherly Kingdom of Saudi Arabia last night, ” the prime minister said in a post on X, adding, “Pakistan reaffirms its unwavering support for the Kingdom’s security and stands in complete solidarity with the brotherly Kingdom of Saudi Arabia at this critical time”. On its part, Pakistan would continue to support all sincere efforts aimed at promoting peace, stability, security, and mutual understanding across the region, the prime minister added.

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