Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Sunday said the government is working on priority basis to digitize the economy and shift all transactions to a cashless and digital system.
Chairing a review meeting on the cashless and digital economy in Islamabad, he expressed satisfaction over the progress made toward achieving a cashless economy. According to a statement, he directed all chief secretaries to fully cooperate with the federal government in taking the Raast system to the district government-level.
During the meeting, participants were briefed on progress toward promoting a cashless economy. They were informed that the government would soon create a digital identification system through the Pakistan Digital Public Infrastructure. This digital ID, they said, would contain information about every person’s national identity card, biometrics and mobile phone numbers, allowing for all digital payments to be made through it.
According to the relevant officials, provincial governments have made significant progress in linking the system of payments, from public to government and government to public, through the Raast system.
On the required digital infrastructure, the Capital Development Authority has given federal development agencies right-of-way for fiber connectivity, while discussions are also underway with Pakistan Railways and the National Highway Authority to expand it.
Tree Plantation
Also on Sunday, the prime minister issued a statement regarding the federal government’s Monsoon Tree Plantation Campaign, stressing the country is committed to utilizing all available means and natural solutions to increase the proportion of forests and soil fertility under its Green Pakistan Program.
“Let us unite in this national tree plantation campaign and make it a success in a systematic manner so that a green, healthy, clean and prosperous Pakistan can be our destiny and that of our future generations,” he said. “On the launch of the Monsoon Tree Plantation Campaign in Pakistan, I urge all my dear countrymen to develop a sense of responsibility to fulfil this important national, environmental and climate duty,” he added.
He urged the federal and provincial governments, as well as social and religious leaders and citizens to renew their commitment to planting trees, declaring it a national duty to create a “healthy and natural environment for future generations and prevent the disasters of climate change.”