KARACHI: Meezan Bank has reported that its monthly card spend has exceeded Rs45 billion, signalling a significant shift in consumer payment behaviour and reinforcing the rapid growth of Pakistan’s digital payments ecosystem, a statement said on Thursday.
The milestone comes amid a broader transition towards cashless transactions, with increasing adoption of cards, mobile applications and QR-based payments across the country.Banking industry data suggest that consumers are steadily moving away from cash, driven by convenience, security, and the expanding acceptance of digital payment channels.
According to the State Bank of Pakistan (SBP), digital retail transactions in the country have reached 3.1 billion in a single quarter, with a cumulative value of Rs64 trillion. The central bank’s instant payment system, Raast, recorded 645.7 million transactions amounting to Rs18.5 trillion, while the total number of payment cards in circulation has risen to 66.7 million.
Within this expanding landscape, the bank’s latest figures highlight the growing role of Islamic banking institutions in advancing digital financial services.Industry observers note that Sharia-compliant banks are increasingly investing in technology-driven solutions, positioning themselves competitively alongside conventional banking channels.
The rise in card usage reflects evolving spending patterns, with consumers using cards for retail purchases, dining, travel, e-commerce and day-to-day transactions. Meezan Bank officials said that improved payment infrastructure, wider merchant acceptance and enhanced security features are supporting this behavioural shift. The bank attributed its growth to continued investment in secure payment systems and customer experience.
These include advanced fraud monitoring, stronger authentication protocols, and tokenised payment solutions aimed at ensuring safer transactions across both local and international platforms.
The bank’s official said that sustained growth in digital payments can deliver broader economic benefits, including improved documentation of financial activity, reduced reliance on cash handling and greater formalisation of the retail economy. It may also support financial inclusion by enabling easier access to banking services for previously underserved segments.
