ISLAMABAD: In a major step toward digital transformation, Pakistan Railways has announced the implementation of a digital payment system across 348 railway stations nationwide.
The announcement was made during a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signing ceremony held in Islamabad between Pakistan Railways and Allied Bank Limited (ABL), under the leadership of the Federal Minister for Railways, Muhammad Hanif Abbasi.
According to the agreement, modern Point of Sale (POS) systems will be installed at railway stations to streamline ticketing, payments, and other financial transactions. The initiative aims to introduce automation, transparency, and efficiency in the overall railway operations.
Addressing the event, Minister Hanif Abbasi stated that the project aligns with the Prime Minister’s Digital Pakistan Vision. He noted that Allied Bank and Pakistan Railways are working in close coordination as a team to digitally empower the nation. “Our goal is to modernize Pakistan into a self-reliant and technologically advanced country,” he added.
He further revealed that the project is expected to be completed within the next 60 days. With the deployment of POS terminals, passengers will be able to purchase tickets and pay for various railway services using credit or debit cards, significantly reducing reliance on cash transactions.
The minister emphasized that the new system will help eliminate long queues and manual processes, enabling faster and more efficient service. “This transformation will not only improve convenience for passengers but also enhance transparency and performance within Pakistan Railways,” he said.
One of the key benefits of this digital shift is real-time monitoring of revenue, which will play a critical role in promoting financial accountability. Additionally, the implementation of POS systems is expected to minimize incidents of fraud, theft, and accounting discrepancies.
Hanif Abbasi also highlighted that, through Allied Bank’s merchant services, small vendors and food stalls at railway stations will be equipped to accept digital payments. This will help bring small-scale businesses into the formal financial system and provide them access to essential banking services. The step is expected to promote financial inclusion, foster a cashless economy, and encourage digital culture at the grassroots level.
He described the initiative as a practical move toward realizing the Digital Pakistan vision, contributing not only to public convenience but also to aligning the national economy with modern financial practices.
The event was attended by senior officials from Pakistan Railways, including Chairman Syed Mazhar Ali Shah, CEO Amir Baloch, and Divisional Superintendent Rawalpindi Nooruddin. Divisional superintendents from other regions joined via video link.
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