Federal Government Mandates QR Codes on Utility Bills to Promote Digital Payments
In a move aimed at accelerating the adoption of digital financial services, the federal government has directed that all electricity, gas, and telephone bills must now include printed QR codes to support seamless digital payments.
The directive was issued during a high-level meeting chaired by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, according to media reports.
Nationwide Shift Toward Digital Transactions
In addition to QR codes on utility bills, the government is also planning to expand digital payment options at fuel stations across the country. The Secretary Petroleum and OGRA Chairman have been tasked with preparing a plan—within one month—to ensure QR code, Point-of-Sale (PoS), and soft PoS payment systems are made available at all petrol pumps nationwide.
The Capital Development Authority (CDA) Chairman will also assess and update existing regulations to make digital payment acceptance mandatory across various utility and service providers.
Financial Support and Implementation Plans
To support this digital transition, the Finance Ministry and State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) have approved raising the subsidy ceiling to Rs. 3.5 billion. Under the new policy, banks will be allowed to charge a maximum Merchant Discount Rate (MDR) of 0.25% from merchants, while any additional cost will be covered by service providers.
Furthermore, the Government Payments Sub-Committee has been directed to coordinate with provincial authorities to finalize revised implementation timelines for these initiatives.
These steps are part of a broader push to modernize the country’s financial ecosystem, reduce reliance on cash transactions, and enhance transparency in service payments.
