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KARACHI , June 5 ,2026: The State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) runs its nationwide “Go Cashless” campaign during Eid-ul-Azha 2026 to promote digital payments in 123 cattle markets across the country. As a result, users complete more than 480,000 transactions worth over PKR 34 billion through digital channels.
Building on the success of 2024 and 2025, SBP expands the campaign significantly in 2026. It increases market coverage from 54 to 123 cattle markets. In addition, SBP partners with 22 banks to set up camps and kiosks at designated sites.
These banks onboard cattle sellers, transporters, and service providers through real-time biometric verification. They also issue QR codes to enable instant digital payments. Moreover, banks deploy mobile banking vans in selected markets. These vans provide ATMs, cash counters, and cash deposit machines to support on-site banking. Consequently, merchants deposit surplus cash directly into the banking system, which reduces cash circulation.
Meanwhile, SBP teams remain present round the clock in cattle markets. They support banks and resolve operational issues on the spot. In addition, SBP temporarily increases transaction limits from May 14 to June 5, 2026 to facilitate high-value payments.
Furthermore, SBP runs a nationwide awareness campaign across TV, radio, print, and social media. It also coordinates outreach activities with commercial banks to increase adoption.
As a result, digital payments grow sharply year-on-year. Transactions rise more than sevenfold, from 65,000 in 2025 to 481,000 in 2026. At the same time, transaction value jumps from PKR 4.6 billion to PKR 34 billion. In addition, around 12,500 new accounts open for cattle farmers and allied service providers.
Overall, the campaign reflects rising public trust in digital payments. It also shows SBP’s success in digitizing cash-heavy markets. Consequently, the initiative strengthens the foundation for wider adoption of secure and inclusive digital financial services across Pakistan.
