The State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) has launched a major initiative to digitize payments in cattle markets ahead of Eid ul Azha 2025, marking a significant shift from the country’s longstanding reliance on cash transactions for livestock purchases. With an estimated Rs550-600 billion spent annually on sacrificial animals during Eid, this move is poised to transform both the security and convenience of these high-value transactions.

How the Initiative Works
SBP, in collaboration with 22 to 25 major banks, has rolled out QR code-based payment systems in 54 major cattle markets across 21 districts nationwide. Buyers can now pay for sacrificial animals and related services—such as water, feed, and parking—by simply scanning a merchant’s QR code using their mobile banking app or wallet. The QR codes, displayed prominently at vendor stalls, enable real-time, contactless payments, removing the need to carry and count large sums of cash.

Enhanced Security and Convenience
This digital payment push directly addresses the risks and hassles associated with cash transactions, such as theft, fraud, and logistical challenges of handling large amounts of money. By enabling instant payments through the Raast Instant Payment System, the process becomes more secure and transparent for both buyers and sellers. SBP has also temporarily increased transaction limits—eliminating daily limits and raising monthly caps up to Rs5 million for certain account types—to accommodate the high-value nature of livestock purchases during the Eid season.

On-Ground Support and Merchant Onboarding
To ensure smooth adoption, SBP and partner banks have deployed on-ground teams in markets to educate both vendors and buyers about digital payments. These teams assist with setting up mobile wallets, generating and laminating QR codes, and guiding users through the payment process. The account opening process for merchants has been simplified, with biometric verification and customer due diligence completed on-site to quickly onboard cattle sellers, many of whom are from low-income or rural backgrounds.

Building on Past Success
Last year’s pilot saw over 4,000 merchants onboarded and more than 13,000 digital transactions worth Rs560 million processed. For 2025, SBP is targeting at least 100,000 digital transactions during the campaign, aiming to further expand financial inclusion and establish long-term digital payment habits in a sector traditionally dominated by cash.

Broader Impact and Future Outlook
This initiative is part of Pakistan’s broader strategy to foster a digital economy, enhance financial transparency, and bring underserved populations into the formal banking system. By leveraging the high-traffic period of Eid ul Azha, SBP hopes to accelerate the adoption of digital payments, reduce the country’s cash dependency, and pave the way for a more inclusive financial ecosystem.
Key Benefits at a Glance

  • Security: Reduces risk of theft and fraud by minimizing cash handling.
  • Convenience: Enables instant, contactless payments for buyers and sellers.
  • Financial Inclusion: Brings rural and small-scale merchants into the digital fold through simplified onboarding.
  • Transparency: Improves transaction traceability and supports anti-money laundering efforts.
  • Scalability: Provides a cost-effective alternative to POS machines, especially for small merchants.

As Pakistan’s cattle markets go digital, this Eid could mark a turning point in the country’s journey toward a cashless, tech-driven economy—making every transaction safer, faster, and more transparent for all.