In a major step toward digitising Pakistan’s economy, the government has made QR codes mandatory at retail outlets nationwide, signalling a decisive push to reduce cash dependency and modernise everyday transactions.
Minister of State for Finance Bilal Azhar Kiani announced that executive orders now require every retail outlet in Islamabad and across all provinces to offer at least one digital payment option.
Speaking on Saturday, he said the initiative is part of the government’s broader efforts to promote a cashless economy and strengthen financial inclusion.
Mr Kiani was addressing a policy discussion organised by the Institute for Public Opinion Research (IPOR), where findings from its nationwide study titled Track and Trace Compliance in the Tobacco Industry Volume II were presented.
He said retailers and merchants across the country have been instructed to adopt digital payment systems, adding that both federal and provincial governments are working on supportive legislation. The move aims to formalise the economy and reinforce the government’s “Cashless Pakistan” programme.
The IPOR study revealed notable regulatory gaps in compliance with the Federal Board of Revenue’s Track and Trace System (TTS) within the tobacco sector.
Responding to the findings, the minister reaffirmed the government’s commitment to strict enforcement, stating that authorities will intensify action against illegal cigarette brands and enhance oversight of the tobacco retail market.
He clarified that no action would be taken against retailers selling legally compliant products, while non-compliant brands would be brought under regulation through strengthened monitoring and enforcement.
Mr Kiani further noted that retail outlets fall under provincial jurisdiction, giving local authorities the power to act against sellers of illegal cigarettes.
He added that warehouses and transportation channels are also being monitored, and improved enforcement is expected to boost compliance and increase government revenue.
