Pakistan has engaged with global financial technology firm Ant Group and Easypaisa Digital Bank to explore ways to expand digital payments, financial inclusion, and technology-driven financial services as part of the country’s push toward a cashless economy. The discussions took place during a meeting between Federal Minister for Finance Muhammad Aurangzeb and a delegation comprising Douglas Feagin, President of Ant International, Irfan Wahab Khan, Chairman of Easypaisa Digital Bank, and Jahanzeb Khan, President and CEO of Easypaisa Digital Bank.
The meeting focused on accelerating Pakistan’s transition to a digitally enabled economy, with Aurangzeb highlighting strong momentum in the national digitisation drive. He noted that coordinated efforts are underway across digital infrastructure, payment systems, and the digitisation of government-related payments, supported by clear performance targets.
Douglas Feagin reaffirmed Ant Group’s commitment to supporting Pakistan’s digital economy by leveraging its global experience and technology capabilities across Asia. He said the licensing of Easypaisa as a digital bank presents a major opportunity to deepen outreach, build capabilities, and accelerate adoption of cashless payments and digital financial services.
Aurangzeb emphasized the role of digital banks and fintech platforms in expanding inclusive credit, particularly for underserved segments such as small farmers. He also highlighted the potential of digital platforms to diversify the investor base for domestic public debt, reduce distribution costs, and enable retail participation in government securities through secure digital channels.
The discussion covered enhancements in cross-border and wallet-based payments, efforts to reduce transaction friction, and the need to bring growing virtual asset activity into a regulated framework. Both sides also exchanged views on tokenisation and the potential for technology-enabled, regulated financial products to support capital market development.
Easypaisa representatives shared that the platform is evolving beyond payments into broader financial services, including savings, wealth management, and financial literacy initiatives. The meeting concluded with Aurangzeb encouraging the delegation to submit concrete proposals to advance shared priorities under Pakistan’s digitisation agenda.
