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KARACHI :May 15 ,2026: The State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) has launched a nationwide “Go Cashless” campaign for Eid-ul-Azha 2026. The initiative promotes secure and convenient digital payments in cattle markets across the country. It also supports SBP’s wider goal of reducing cash usage and speeding up the digitisation of Pakistan’s payment system.
Every Eid season, cattle markets generate heavy commercial activity, and most transactions still rely on cash. To address this, SBP has continued using this period to push digital payment adoption. Over time, the regulator has turned these seasonal markets into key entry points for financial inclusion.
This year, SBP has expanded the campaign significantly. It has increased coverage from 54 cattle markets in 2025 to 96 markets nationwide. In addition, 22 banks will set up dedicated camps and kiosks in these markets. They will help buyers and sellers adopt digital payments, open accounts, and use QR-based payment systems. Meanwhile, SBP has also introduced temporary relaxations on transaction and account balance limits from May 14 to June 5, 2026 to support higher activity. Where possible, mobile banking vans, ATMs, and cash deposit machines will also operate in and around the markets.
Furthermore, SBP urges the public to use mobile banking apps, branchless banking wallets, Raast-enabled services, and QR payments during the Eid season. These digital options improve convenience and security. At the same time, they reduce the risks of carrying cash and help build a more transparent and inclusive financial system in Pakistan.
