Pakistan's Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI) Initiative Transforming Lives

[Riaz Haq]

Pakistan's journey to build a digital public infrastructure (DPI) began in March 2000 with the establishment of NADRA, the National Database and Registration Authority. The Gates Foundation defines DPI as follows: "DPI is a digital network that enables countries to safely and efficiently deliver economic opportunities and social services to all residents. DPI can be compared to roads, which form a physical network that connects people and provides access to a huge range of goods and services...... strong DPI has three foundational systems—identity, payments, and data exchange—that together can make life easier in important ways". 

Digital Public Infrastructure. Source: World Economic Forum

Transformational Impact:

An article recently published on the World Economic Forum website sheds light on how Pakistan's digital public infrastructure is transforming lives in rural Pakistan. Here's how it begins: 

"On a scorching day with temperatures soaring to 42 degrees, Manzoora, a mother from the flood-stricken district of Shaheed Benazirabad, rural Sindh, Pakistan, made a significant leap: she withdrew cash from her own bank account for the very first time. This milestone was made possible through a mobile cash transfer programme initiated by the Sindh government, which partnered with digital service providers to empower citizens like Manzoora. This is just one example of how DPI is changing the lives of millions of Pakistanis". 

An earlier UNDP report  titled "DigitAll: What happens when women of Pakistan get access to digital and tech tools? A lot!" written by Javeria Masood has also described the socioeconomic impact of technology in Pakistan in the following words:

"The world as we know it has been and is rapidly changing. Technology has proven to be one of the biggest enablers of change. There has been a significant emphasis on digital training, tech education, and freelancing in the last several years especially during the pandemic, through initiatives from the government, private and development sectors. Covid-19 acted as a big disrupter and accelerated the digital uptake many folds. In Pakistan, we saw the highest number of digital wallets, online services, internet-based services and adaptability out of need and demand". 

Digital Identity: 

NADRA launched Computerized National Identity Card (CNIC) the same year it was established. It uses biometric data and personal information to confirm the identity of the cardholder as a citizen of Pakistan. The CNIC card is used across the country for voting in elections, opening bank accounts, issuing passports, getting driver's licenses, registering marriages and divorces, completing real estate transactions, participating in social safety net programs like Benazir Income Support, obtaining mobile phone numbers/sims, purchasing tickets for airlines and railways, etc etc. 

The introduction of CNIC was a "foundational change, positioning Pakistan among a select group of nations equipped to manage comprehensive digital identities for over 240 million citizens", according to the World Economic Forum. Within four years of launching the Benazir Income Support Program (BISP) – a social protection initiative to alleviate poverty – CNIC issuance to adults increased by 72%. 

 

Pakistan Instant Payment System. Source: State Bank of Pakistan

Payments:

Digital identity enables payments from the government to citizens as well as financial transactions among individuals, businesses and government entities. The introduction of RAAST, an instant low-cost payment system launched in 2021 by the State Bank of Pakistan, has spurred digital payments in the country.  It seamlessly and securely connects government entities, a variety of banks, including microfinance banks (MFBs),  electronic money institutions (EMIs) and State Bank authorized payment service providers (PSPs). 

QR Codes: 

This year, the State Bank of Pakistan has launched P2M (Person to Merchant) services. These allow people with electronic wallets in their mobile phones to pay for goods and services using merchants' QR codes. “The P2M service will enable payment acceptance by businesses using quick response (QR) codes, Raast Alias, IBAN and request to pay (RTP),” the Central Bank said in an announcement. 

"All REs (regulated entities) shall enable…capabilities for processing P2M transactions via their delivery channels including mobile apps, internet banking portals and USSD channels (where applicable) by March 01, 2024." The central bank asked Raast merchant service providers (MSPs) to ensure that customers are not charged any fee on their purchases, by merchants or third parties.

"MSPs may…charge a reasonable fee from merchants for the services provided; however, they are encouraged to initially waive off such charges to promote merchant adoption."

RAAST Uptake:

Raast, the State Bank of Pakistan's Instant Payment System, is playing an important role in facilitating free, convenient and secure real-time transactions across the country, according to a report published by the State Bank of Pakistan. During Q3 of FY24,  Raast processed 140 million transactions totaling Rs. 3,437 billion.

Digital transactions took center stage in Pakistan's financial landscape during Q3 FY 2023-24, capturing a commanding 83% of 844 million total retail payments processed by Banks and Electronic Money Institutions (EMIs), while the remaining 17% were Over-the-Counter (OTC) transactions at banks’ branches, reports Mettis Global. 

Pakistan National Socioeconomic Registry. Source: Maintains

National Socioeconomic Registry:

The National Socio-economic Registry has been created . It will be regularly updated to keep it current and deliver services to the Pakistanis most in need. The effort started in earnest in 2020 to hand out Rs. 12,000 per family to 3 million most affected by the COVID19 lockdown. Here's how a Pakistani government website describes the digital registry architecture:

"The Cognitive API architecture for Ehsaas’ National Socio-Economic Registry 2021 is one of the six main pillars of ‘One Window Ehsaas’. With the survey, which is building the registry currently 90.5% complete nationwide, Ehsaas is firming up its plans to open data sharing and data access services for all executing agencies under the Poverty Alleviation and Social Safety Division (PASSD). Data sharing will be done through the Cognitive API Architecture approach. The deployment of Ehsaas API architecture for data sharing will allow executing agencies to access data from the unified registry in real-time to validate beneficiary information. This will empower them to ascertain eligibility of potential beneficiaries". 

DPI Future Plans:

In future, Pakistan is set to launch several ambitious DPI initiatives, including expanding the RAAST payment system, implementing a nationwide digital health records system, and launching a blockchain-based land registry. These projects promise to drive efficiency and transparency across multiple sectors, positioning Pakistan as a pioneer in the global digital landscape, according to a report by the World Economic Forum. 

Related Links:

Haq's Musings

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RAAST: Pakistan's Instant Payment System

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[Riaz Haq]

Pakistan digital identity governance changes to bridge gaps, eliminate overlaps

https://www.biometricupdate.com/202501/pakistan-digital-identity-go...

Pakistan’s journey toward a unified digital identity framework is proving complicated, with overlapping obligations and a fragmented system. The government plans to resolve these challenges with the strategic Digital Nation Pakistan law and the National Registration and Biometric Policy Framework (NRBPF). However, recent developments have revealed trouble coordinating efforts between the Ministry of ICT and Telecommunications and the Ministry of Interior.

The Digital Nation Pakistan initiative represents a transformative approach to governance. The government intends to provide seamless digital services by harnessing technology to create an interconnected infrastructure. However, uncertainties remain about its compatibility with current frameworks, such as the National Database and Registration Authority’s (NADRA) demographic registration and biometric systems. These issues arose during a meeting hosted by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif.

Similarly, a recent podcast by independent journalists highlighted challenges that can face newly passed laws based on the digital identity of every citizen in Pakistan. Exploring the weakest regulatory frameworks and accessibility gaps that obstruct NADRA’s extent. It emphasized the version where the citizens cannot access important services due to systemic incompetence, underscoring the urgency for reformation. The Digital Nation Pakistan initiative will achieve momentum, and presenting these real-world issues will be critical for its success.

Challenges in registration and biometric systems
One of the key concerns raised by the minister of state for information technology and telecommunications is the possibility of function duplication under the planned “Digital Nation Pakistan” law, The Express Tribune reports. NADRA, established in 2000, has long served as the backbone of Pakistan’s identity management. The Ministry of Interior promised the cabinet that any overlaps would be addressed in coordination with the Ministry of ICT. However, insufficiencies in its legal structure and limited outreach have made it challenging to effectively serve the entire population. Citizens are currently responsible for reporting vital incidents, which should ideally be managed by state authorities.

Moreover, differences between NADRA data and data held by union councils pose further issues. Biometric systems in the country operate autonomously, with no established regulations for data storage and sharing.

The CNIC chip, contained in Pakistan’s national digital identity cards, is also underutilized. Without accompanying infrastructure, individuals are forced to use multiple cards for various services, weakening the technology’s potential.

[Riaz Haq]

Looking into the DEEP: Advancing Pakistan’s DPI | Biometric Update

https://www.biometricupdate.com/202501/looking-into-the-deep-advanc...

Pakistan is progressing toward a digitally empowered society, with initiatives such as the Digital Economy Enhancement Project(DEEP) playing a crucial role. According to a press release by the National Database and Registration Authority (NADRA), on January 23, in Islamabad, NADRA hosted a high-level World Bank delegation that included Martin Raiser, Vice President for the South Asia Region, and Najy Benhassine, Country Director for Pakistan. The conversation focused on DEEP, a transformative effort to strengthen Pakistan’s digital economy and digital identity systems.
DEEP, a World Bank-funded project coincides with the Digital Pakistan Policy and aims to transform how the government delivers services to citizens and businesses. The initiative aims to improve financial inclusion, ease access to government services, and promote economic prospects by developing strong digital public infrastructure (DPI).

The World Bank delegation praised NADRA’s progress in the implementation of DEEP, emphasizing its essential role in Pakistan’s digital transformation. The project is focused on creating responsible data-sharing protocols, digital authentication systems, and verifiable credentials. These components seek to increase accessibility, public service delivery, and social protection. This collaboration emphasizes the importance of international partnerships in accelerating national progress toward a digital economy.

Advancing DPI with DEEP
DEEP is a World Bank-assisted project to enhance the government’s capacity for digitally enabled public service delivery for citizens and businesses. While also building a more equitable economic framework by promoting an integrated, government-wide digital infrastructure. It promotes the creation of responsible data-sharing networks and strong digital authentication technologies, assuring secure and verified credentials.

The government’s goal with DEEP is to digitize governmental services, making them more accessible to citizens and companies. This transition is projected to drive economic growth, improve social protection systems, and expand financial inclusion, particularly among marginalized populations, Dawn News reports.

NADRA’s leadership
NADRA has played a significant role in Pakistan’s digital transformation under the DEEP initiative, reaching remarkable milestones such as the integration of crucial government services to allow citizens seamless digital access. NADRA is developing a single digital ecosystem to ensure efficient service delivery under the Digital Pakistan Policy. The World Bank’s support demonstrates global trust in this endeavor to improve infrastructure, data interchange, and digital identity for a more robust digital economy.

Digital Pakistan
The World Bank project DEEP aims to fill Pakistan’s digital gap, fuel economic growth, and ensure unbiased access to digital services for citizens. DEEP is aligned with the 2018 Digital Pakistan Policy, which emphasizes a comprehensive enterprise architecture and the integration of government databases. It focuses on broadband expansion, enabling policies, and legal frameworks to assist the digital economy. The project’s strategy is to improve public service delivery by modernizing digital public infrastructure, which includes a secure data exchange layer, digital wallets, and authentication methods. NADRA, the Ministry of Information Technology and Telecommunications (MoITT), and the Board of Investment (BoI) are key implementation agencies. DEEP, with financial and technical support from the World Bank, assists Pakistan in transitioning to a sustainable and inclusive digital economy by dealing with systemic obstacles and supporting digital transformation.

[Riaz Haq]

Pakistan advances national ID, biometric policy frameworks | Biometric Update

https://www.biometricupdate.com/202502/pakistan-advances-national-i...

Pakistan has made significant advancements in transforming its digital identity ecosystem. The National Database and Registration Authority (NADRA) continues to undertake efforts aimed at improving security, innovation, and accessibility. The government has also announced the National Registration and Biometric Policy (NR&BP) framework, which aims to mitigate the basic identity gaps in the country’s management system, such as registration anomalies, data security problems, and accessibility issues.
NADRA has also collaborated with key higher education institutions(HEIs) to stimulate innovation in biometrics, artificial intelligence (AI), cybersecurity, and data analytics. This partnership will contribute to the development of cutting-edge identity verification systems as well as simplify the national registration processes.

Moreover, the government of Pakistan has amended the NADRA (NIC) Rules of 2002 in Ordinance 2000 to provide for the issuance of digital identity cards to special persons and organ donors for life, which facilitates further inclusion and streamlining of the identity system. Collectively, these measures reflect the determination of Pakistan to achieve a unified, safe, verifiable digital identity system that is research-based and compliant with global standards.

The national registration and biometric policy
Pakistan has taken major steps in the scope of digital identity to strengthen its biometric and digital identity ecosystem with the launch of the National Registration and Biometric Policy NR&BP, which was officially announced by the federal government last month and seeks to address fundamental flaws in the country’s identity management system, providing a safe, unified, and efficient registration mechanism.

The framework identifies basic challenges; key ones are systematic disintegration, legislative inconsistencies, and limited accessibility, which have resulted in low registration rates, identity fraud, and data discrepancies. To address these issues, NR&BP works on integrating NADRA’s digital infrastructure with provincial Civil Registration Management Systems (CRMS), creating a streamlined identity verification process.

The policy includes the expansion of biometric assortment and verification at the union council level to tackle identity theft, which allows for secure and real-time identity authentication to combat identity theft and fraudulent registrations. In addition, NR&BP will implement a digital ID system to encourage interagency collaboration among government departments and business enterprises. This policy will also contribute towards achieving the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 16.9, which aims to provide legal identity for all.

The National Implementation Committee NIC, chaired by the NADRA chairman, is managing the charge of the strategic execution of this initiative, while the National Steering Committee, led by the interior minister, provides overall policy guidance. Representatives from key ministries, IT boards, and financial regulators are actively engaged in ensuring the policy’s successful nationwide adoption.

The NR&BP, with its strong emphasis on biometric integration and digital identity protection, is envisioned to improve governance, national security, and public service delivery, positioning Pakistan at the forefront of digital transformation.

NADRA’s collaboration with higher education institutions
Recognizing the need for innovative research in biometrics, AI, and cybersecurity, NADRA has partnered with 15 of Pakistan’s best universities to advance innovation in digital identity management. According to the NADRA press release, this collaboration, through official Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs), would promote research and development (R&D) and talent development in identity technologies, ultimately boosting Pakistan’s digital infrastructure.

[Riaz Haq]

Riaz Haq has left a new comment on your post "Digital Pakistan: Broadband Subscriptions Soar to 100 Million":

IT exports soar as digital transformation accelerates

https://tribune.com.pk/story/2532564/it-exports-soar-as-digital-tra...

Key achievements include record IT exports of $3.223 billion in FY 2023-24, reflecting a 24% increase. Broadband penetration surged by 5%, benefiting over 139 million subscribers. Policies supporting AI, cloud computing, and digital entrepreneurship are empowering startups and freelancers.

The Digital Economy Enhancement Project (DEEP) is expanding digital infrastructure, boosting IT exports, and enhancing digital skills. Pakistan now ranks in Tier 1 of the Global Cybersecurity Index and has improved its standing in the UN E-Government Development Index.

The adoption of e-office solutions has cut decision-making time by 70%, streamlining governance. The launch of the Hajj App and One Patient One ID system has enhanced public service efficiency.

Over 600,000 individuals have been trained under DigiSkills.pk, equipping the workforce with essential digital expertise. More than 166 startups have emerged, generating 5,000+ jobs and attracting Rs260 million in investments.

Pakistan is gearing up for 5G with a scheduled spectrum auction and the National Fiberisation Policy. Broadband expansion has benefited 4.1 million people, while regulatory reforms and the introduction of Wi-Fi 6E and the National Space Policy are paving the way for next-generation connectivity.

Pakistan has introduced key policy frameworks to strengthen its digital ecosystem. Provinces, including Gilgit-Baltistan and Azad Jammu Kashmir, have adopted Cloud First Policy (PCFP). National AI & Semiconductor Policies, finalised to accelerate Pakistan's entry into advanced technology sectors.

[Riaz Haq]

Mashreq partners with Mastercard to lunch in Pakistan - ThePaypers

Mastercard has signed a multi-year agreement with Mashreq to support the company’s launch as a digital bank in Pakistan.


The State Bank of Pakistan granted Mashreq Pakistan a restricted licence for pilot operations as part of the government's strategy to optimise the country’s digital potential and provide greater access to financial services for underserved communities.


https://thepaypers.com/online-mobile-banking/mashreq-partners-with-...

Mashreq to become a digital bank in Pakistan
This collaboration introduces modern digital services to individuals and businesses that aim to help grow the digital economy, accelerate digital payment adoption, and drive financial inclusion in Pakistan.

The partnership highlights Mastercard’s and Mashreq’s shared vision to support Pakistan’s growth by offering better customer experiences and financial accessibility. By leveraging Mastercard’s collaboration, Mashreq has access to improved efficiency, reliability, and security across card products for both businesses and consumers. The company aims to simplify payments through fast and secure transactions, improve service delivery that supports financial growth, and drive mutual value and financial support.

Through this collaboration, Mastercard aims to develop the financial service ecosystem in the country and aid Mashreq with its launch as a digital bank in Pakistan. This move will transform the digital economy and broaden access to digital financial services across Pakistan.


Pakistan’s transformation plans
Vision 2025 was a plan launched in 2014 by the Government of Pakistan to guide the country’s socio-economic development. It focused on seven pillars, including developing human and social capital, achieving sustained and inclusive growth, strengthening governance and institutions, ensuring sustainable resources, boosting innovation, optimising education, and expanding trade routes. However, the plan faced challenges in implementation, and political changes impacted its continuity.

Another framework emerged in 2024, which aims to transform Pakistan into a USD 1 trillion economy by 2035. Key objectives include increasing exports from USD 30 billion to USD 100 billion within eight years and implementing efficient energy solutions to meet future demands.

[Riaz Haq]

Pakistan's first online portal for preparing tax returns launched by BeFiler.com
The website lets salaried individuals file tax returns easily without hassle.

https://www.dawn.com/news/1447398

Pakistan is experiencing a transition in terms of its economic situation with the new government stepping in.

One of Pakistan's core challenges for economic sustainability is the country’s tax collections and tax to GDP ratio, which is one of the lowest in the world and subsequently encouraging the current economic crisis.

One of the top priorities for the new government is to substantially increase the number of tax filers, from current dismal number of approx 1.3 million to at least three times of the current situation.

It is for this reason that as per the government’s fiscal policies incorporated in the budget for current fiscal year, provisions have been made in the Income Tax Ordinance 2001 to ensure penalties and entail serious ramifications for individuals fail to file their returns.

Apart from these provisions, which prohibit non-filers from purchasing any property or motor vehicles, non-filers end up paying relatively higher amount of taxes, all the while exposing themselves to significant penalties on their way.

What is BeFiler.com?
BeFiler.com is Pakistan's first online tax portal for preparing tax returns.

The portal is an online tax return preparation system where anyone can sign up, and prepare income tax return within minutes, by answering few simple questions, and entering relevant details.

[Riaz Haq]

Google Wallet launches in Pakistan - Business - DAWN.COM

https://www.dawn.com/news/1897434


Digital wallet app Google Wallet became available in Pakistan on Wednesday, according to a statement issued by the tech giant.

According to the statement, Google Wallet provides people a safer, simpler, and more helpful payment experience. It also supports digital items such as loyalty cards and boarding passes. Users can get started by downloading the application through the Google Play Store.

“Pakistan’s digital payments landscape is evolving rapidly, and with more people embracing digital transactions, Google Wallet provides a secure, seamless, and efficient way to make payments, shop, and travel,” said Farhan Qureshi, Country Director for Google Pakistan.

“It will enable Pakistanis to tap-and-pay in stores, check out seamlessly online, and easily access their boarding passes when they travel,” he added.

“Google Wallet helps keep everything protected in one place, no matter where they go. More importantly, this launch will go a long way in supporting financial inclusion in Pakistan and unlock economic opportunities for all,” Qureshi continued.

“This milestone further cements Google’s unwavering commitment to Pakistan, reinforcing our belief in its digital future and potential.”

From today, cardholders of Bank AlFalah, Bank of Punjab, Faysal Bank Noor, HBL, Jazzcash, Meezan Bank, and UBL will be able to add their cards to Google Wallet and pay with their Android phones or Wear OS devices — wherever contactless payments are accepted.

Additionally, cardholders of Allied Bank, easypaisa Digital Bank, JS Bank and Zindigi will be able to add their cards to Google Wallet soon. Payment cards from Google Wallet can be used to pay online or in-app at merchants.

The statement read that online merchants such as Onic, Gul Ahmed, Sana Safinaz, J. and KE will also be available with PayFast’s integration with Google Pay.

In addition to storing and accessing payment cards, users can add boarding passes from Batik Air and Thai Airways to Google Wallet. With boarding passes in Google Wallet, travellers will be notified of changes to departure time and gate changes to ensure a hassle-free experience at the airport.

Furthermore, they will be able to tap and pay securely using Google Wallet during their overseas travel, without the need for their physical card.

If a user already has an eligible credit or debit card saved to their Google account, it will automatically appear in Google Wallet. Simply follow the on-screen steps to set it up for contactless payments.

If a user does not have a card saved and would like to add a new one, they would have to tap “Add a card” in the carousel at the top of the page, review and accept the issuer’s terms and conditions, and complete the verification process. The card will then be tokenised and ready for use in Google Wallet.

Similarly, Bookme.pk users can add boarding passes, bus, train, and event tickets, while Sastaticket.pk users can save their boarding passes into Google Wallet.

Users can start to add digital items such as boarding passes, bus, train, and event tickets into their Google Wallet.

According to the statement, privacy and security are the cornerstones of Google Wallet, “offering industry-standard tokenisation to keep transactions safe”.

When making a payment, Google Wallet uses an alternate card number (a token) that is device-specific and associated with a dynamic security code that changes with each transaction.

Banks also require verification before adding a card to the user’s device, and screen lock protection ensures that only the user can access the Wallet.

March 13, 2025 at 10:05 AM

[Riaz Haq]

Pakistan Welcomes Starlink. But Can It Deliver on Its Promise? – The Diplomat

https://thediplomat.com/2025/03/pakistan-welcomes-starlink-but-can-...

Starlink could help close the urban-rural internet access gap — if the rollout is inclusive, affordable, and thoughtfully managed.
In Pakistan, the digital divide is not merely a technological issue; it is an economic and social barrier. While the country has over 142 million broadband subscriptions, nearly 99 percent are mobile-based, and fixed broadband penetration remains under 1 percent. Still, the economic potential is hard to ignore. Pakistan’s digital economy is steadily expanding – IT exports hit $3.2 billion in fiscal year 2024 – and more than 1.5 million freelancers are already contributing to global platforms from across the country. But most of that growth is happening in big cities.

In rural Pakistan, untapped talent remains offline, not by choice, but because the infrastructure simply isn’t there. Starlink could help close that gap – if the rollout is inclusive and thoughtfully managed. Starlink could empower a new generation of freelancers, online entrepreneurs, and remote workers in smaller towns and villages, provided access is widespread and affordable. The small and medium enterprise (SME) sector, which contributes nearly 40 percent of GDP and employs over 80 percent of Pakistan’s non-agricultural workforce, could benefit from stable, high-speed internet to adopt digital tools, cloud platforms, and e-commerce models.

Education stands to gain even more. Pakistan has over 22 millionout-of-school children, with the highest concentrations in regions that also suffer from poor internet access. Less than 15 percent of public schools nationwide are connected to the internet – and in rural areas, that number drops below 10 percent. In Balochistan, for instance, 65 percent of school-age children are out of school. During the COVID-19 pandemic, only a small percentage of rural households could access any form of digital learning. Starlink can change this equation by enabling digital classrooms, national curriculum portals, and virtual teacher training in regions where qualified educators are scarce or security risks prevent regular school attendance. Especially for girls in conservative areas, home-based online education could offer a culturally acceptable and practical solution to improve literacy and life outcomes.

The healthcare sector, too, is poised for transformation. Telemedicine has long been touted as a solution for Pakistan’s rural health deserts, but without broadband, its reach has remained limited. With Starlink, remote clinics in places like Chitral, Dera Bugti, or Tharparkar could finally access diagnostic platforms, connect with specialists in urban hospitals, and digitize patient records. This could reduce maternal mortality, improve early disease detection, and allow real-time responses to outbreaks – all without the need for new brick-and-mortar hospitals.

Yet the promise of Starlink is constrained by its cost. At present, Starlink’s projected pricing in Pakistan is approximately 35,000 Pakistani rupees per month (around $120), plus 110,000 rupees (around $375) in equipment costs. For perspective, the average rural household in Pakistan earns between 20,000–30,000 rupees per month. A typical 10 Mbps unlimited home broadband package costs around 1,500–2,000 rupees ($5-7) – affordable to urban middle-class households but often out of reach for rural families.