ISLAMABAD, September 11: National Bank of Pakistan (NBP) has enabled digital passport fee payments through the Raast Person-to-Merchant (P2M) QR system, allowing citizens to pay passport charges through the mobile applications of participating banks.
The initiative is part of NBP’s digital transformation drive and supports the government’s Cashless Pakistan agenda, which aims to expand digital transactions and digitise government payments and receipts.
Under the new arrangement, passport applicants can use Raast-enabled banking apps to make fee payments digitally, reducing reliance on cash-based transactions and offering a more convenient payment option.
To review implementation of the system and discuss further digital payment solutions, Director General Immigration and Passports Ch. Muhammad Ali Randhawa visited NBP’s Head Office in Karachi along with his team.
During the visit, Randhawa met senior NBP officials, including Abdul Wahid Sethi, SEVP and Group Chief/CFO Financial Control Group; Faisal Topra, SEVP and Group Chief Operations Group; and Adnan Nasir, CDO and Group Chief Digital Banking Group.
Officials reviewed the performance of the Raast-based passport fee payment system and discussed opportunities to expand digital payment options.
The meeting also considered introducing a PSID-based alternate payment mechanism aimed at improving convenience and ensuring continuity in passport fee collections.
Speaking on the occasion, Abdul Wahid Sethi said digital transformation could help make public services more accessible, efficient and customer-focused.
He said NBP remained committed to supporting the government’s digital payments and cashless economy agenda by using technology to simplify access to financial services.
Director General Immigration and Passports appreciated NBP’s cooperation in advancing digital transformation and improving public service delivery.
NBP said the initiative strengthens its role in facilitating interoperable digital payments and modernising government-related collections.
Raast is Pakistan’s instant payment system designed to facilitate digital transactions between individuals, businesses and government entities.