Pakistan witnessed a major shift toward digital finance during Eid ul Azha 2026, as citizens increasingly adopted cashless transactions, spending more than Rs. 34 billion online for the purchase of sacrificial animals.

According to details shared under the State Bank of Pakistan’s Go Cashless campaign, digital payment systems were successfully expanded across 123 cattle markets nationwide, enabling smoother, faster, and more transparent financial transactions during the festive season.

The initiative recorded over 481,000 digital transactions, marking a significant increase compared to last year’s 65,000 transactions valued at Rs. 4.6 billion. The sharp rise highlights growing public confidence in digital banking platforms and mobile financial services across the country.

Participating banks facilitated seamless payments through QR code systems, biometric verification, and mobile banking applications, making transactions more accessible for both buyers and sellers. The integration of digital tools significantly reduced reliance on cash-based dealings in livestock markets.

Officials also noted that the campaign contributed to the opening of approximately 12,500 new bank accounts for farmers and service providers, further strengthening financial inclusion in rural and semi-urban communities.

Experts describe this development as a major milestone in Pakistan’s journey toward a cashless economy, emphasizing that such initiatives are improving transparency, reducing transaction risks, and modernizing traditional market systems.

The success of the digital payment drive during Eid ul Azha reflects a broader transformation in consumer behavior, signaling a steady shift toward digital financial ecosystems in Pakistan’s economic landscape.