SBP’s “Go Cashless” campaign for Eid-ul-Azha achieves remarkable growth

The State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) initiated a “Go Cashless” campaign during Eid-ul-Adha to promote digital transactions in 123 cattle markets across the country. SBP announced that during the campaign, more than 480,000 transactions worth over Rs. 34 billion were conducted through digital channels and instruments.

SBP undertook similar initiatives in 2024 and 2025, but this year witnessed a notable expansion. The number of cattle markets covered increased from 54 last year to 123 markets across Pakistan in 2026.

Digital banking services in cattle markets

As part of the campaign, 22 banks established camps in cattle markets to facilitate digital transactions. These banks used biometric verification to help cattle traders, allied service providers, and transporters onboard digital platforms. In addition to onboarding services, the banks also provided QR codes that enabled users to generate receipts for online transactions.

SBP reported that Mobile Banking Vans were deployed in selected cattle markets. These vans were equipped with ATMs, cash counters, and Cash Deposit Machines (CDMs) to provide a range of banking services.

Services such as cash counters and CDMs enabled merchants to conveniently deposit surplus cash directly into the banking system, thereby reducing the circulation of physical currency and increasing the volume of digital transactions.

Teams from SBP were present in the markets around the clock to facilitate banks and their staff and to resolve any issues that arose. SBP also temporarily enhanced transaction limits from May 14, 2026, to June 5, 2026, to facilitate merchants conducting high-value transactions.

Record increase in transactions

Compared to 2025, the number of transactions recorded under the campaign increased more than sevenfold, rising from approximately 65,000 to 481,000 transactions. Meanwhile, the value of transactions surged from Rs. 4.6 billion to Rs. 34 billion in 2026. Around 12,500 new accounts for cattle farmers and allied service providers were opened during the campaign.

This growth reflects increasing public confidence in digital payment channels and demonstrates the effectiveness of SBP’s efforts to digitize traditionally cash-intensive sectors of the economy. The success of the initiative has strengthened trust in digital financial services and laid a strong foundation for the sustained adoption of secure, efficient, and inclusive digital payment solutions in seasonal and high-volume markets across Pakistan.