Aurangzeb calls for framework to expand digital finance, electronic transactions

Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb has called for a regulatory framework that would widen the use of electronic transactions and make digital access to finance easier, The Express Tribune reported, citing the Ministry of Finance. His proposals include simpler customer onboarding and tighter data sharing between banks and capital markets. The remarks came during a Thursday meeting with Pakistan Digital Authority Chairperson Dr Sohail Munir.

The two discussed digital transformation, digital finance and wider technology use to support economic activity, the ministry said in a post on X. Aurangzeb stressed that existing frameworks should keep pace with digital advances and new business models. Participants also examined digital asset tokenisation, including possible uses in property and other investment holdings, and the need for an appropriate framework to guide responsible adoption.

According to the ministry, tighter links between banking and capital-market systems could widen investor involvement and open up more investment options. Separate State Bank of Pakistan figures cited in the report showed retail bank payments reached 3.7 billion transactions in January-March 2026, a 9% rise on the preceding quarter. Digital channels handled 92% of retail payment volumes, while mobile banking and digital wallet registrations passed 132 million by March 2026.