KARACHI: In a major push to digitise seasonal economic activity, State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) has rolled out a nationwide “Go Cashless” campaign ahead of Eid-ul-Azha 2026, aiming to replace traditional cash-heavy cattle market transactions with secure and convenient digital payment methods.
The initiative forms part of SBP’s broader strategic vision to reduce reliance on cash and accelerate the digitisation of the country’s payment ecosystem.
Around the occasion of Eid-ul-Azha, cattle markets across the country witness significant economic and commercial activity, much of which remains cash-based.
Recognising the scale of these transactions and the opportunity to expand digital financial inclusion, SBP has been actively leveraging this seasonal activity over the past few years to promote the adoption of digital payment channels in cattle markets.
Building on the success of previous campaigns, the 2026 initiative has been significantly expanded, with coverage increasing from 54 cattle markets in 2025 to 96 markets nationwide this year.
Under the “Go Cashless” campaign, 22 participating banks will establish dedicated camps and kiosks in assigned cattle markets to facilitate digital payments for buyers and sellers.
The participating banks will onboard cattle sellers (Beoparis), transporters, and allied service providers onto digital payment channels through account opening and the deployment of QR code-based payment solutions.
To facilitate higher transaction volumes during the Eid period, SBP has also introduced temporary relaxations on transactional and account balance limits, effective from May 14, 2026, to June 5, 2026. In addition, mobile banking vans, ATMs, and Cash Deposit Machines (CDMs) will also be deployed, where feasible, to improve access to financial services in and around cattle markets.
SBP encourages the public to use digital payment channels, including mobile banking apps, branchless banking wallets, Raast-enabled services, and QR code payments, for carrying out transactions during the Eid season.
Digital payments not only provide greater convenience and security but also help reduce risks associated with carrying cash and contribute to the development of a more efficient, transparent, and inclusive financial ecosystem in Pakistan.
