Pakistan Utilities to Adopt Raast QR Payments Soon

The Ministry of Finance has instructed Pakistan’s public utility companies to prepare for the adoption of Raast QR codes, a move that could soon transform how millions of citizens pay their bills.

Transition from Manual to Digital Payments

Currently, utility customers in Pakistan settle bills by manually entering lengthy reference numbers, a process often prone to errors and delays. The Raast Instant Payment System, developed by the State Bank of Pakistan (SBP), will replace this method with dynamic QR codes. Each bill will feature a code containing the consumer’s payment details, enabling instant settlement through mobile banking applications.

Coordination Across Sectors

In its recent directive, the Finance Ministry asked divisions responsible for electricity, water, and other services to begin coordinating with banks to ensure smooth integration. The SBP, alongside Karandaaz, will provide technical support to connect utility systems with the national Raast platform.

Benefits for Consumers and Government

The government considers this step an important advancement in financial transparency and efficiency. For consumers, QR-based payments will reduce the risk of incorrect entries, shorten processing times, and eliminate the need for manually entering bill details. For utilities and banks, the system will speed up reconciliation and cut down on cash handling, improving accountability across the sector.

Driving Digital Financial Inclusion

The initiative aligns with Pakistan’s broader strategy of promoting digital financial inclusion and reducing reliance on cash transactions. By modernizing the country’s payment ecosystem, authorities aim to enhance convenience for the public while creating more efficient systems for service providers. Analysts suggest that if implemented effectively, the measure could also boost public trust in digital transactions, a critical step toward a cash-lite economy.

Next Steps for Utilities

Public utility companies have now been tasked with rolling out QR-enabled bills within the timelines set by the government. Successful implementation will mark a major milestone in Pakistan’s journey toward financial digitization and the modernization of public services.

This development highlights the growing role of digital solutions in everyday life in Pakistan, with the Raast system expected to become a cornerstone of the country’s evolving payment landscape.