On Friday, the State Bank of Pakistan launched a nationwide campaign “Go Cashless” for Eid-ul-Azha 2026. The purpose of the campaign is to promote convenient and secure digital transactions in cattle markets across the country.
The initiative according to the central bank was part of its broader strategy to reduce reliance on cash and accelerate the digitisation of Pakistan’s payment ecosystem.
Cattle markets witness massive commercial activity according to the SBP during Eid-ul-Azha. Most of the transactions in cattle markets are carried out in cash.
The bank further said that this season economic activity is being used by them in recent years to encourage the adoption of digital payment channels and improve financial inclusion.
The 2026 initiative is being built on previous campaigns and has been expanded significantly. The coverage has increased from 56 cattle markets nationwide last year to 96 markets nationwide this year.
22 banks will participate under this campaign, and dedicated camps and kiosks will be established at assigned cattle markets to facilitate digital payments for sellers and buyers.
Cattle sellers, transporters and allied service providers will be brought on board by the banks onto digital payment platforms through account openings and QR code-based payment solutions.
Temporary relaxations were also announced by the SBP on account balance and transaction limits from May 14 to June 5, 2026. It will support higher transaction volumes during the Eid season.
ATMs, mobile banking vans, and cash deposit machines in addition will be deployed where feasible to improve access to financial services in and around cattle markets.
People are encouraged by the central bank to use mobile banking apps, Raast-enabled services, branchless banking wallets and QR code payments for Eid-related transactions. They made the case that digital payments offer greater convenience and security.
It also reduces risks associated with cash.
It was further argued by the SBP that a more efficient, transparent and inclusive financial ecosystem in Pakistan will be built through online payments.
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