The State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) has launched its nationwide “Go Cashless” campaign ahead of Eid al-Azha 2026, aiming to promote digital payments at livestock markets across the country and reduce reliance on cash during one of Pakistan’s busiest trading seasons.

The campaign, part of the Digital Pakistan vision, has been significantly expanded this year. The number of participating livestock markets has grown from 54 last year to 96 in 2026, reflecting the initiative’s growing reach since its launch several years ago.

Under the campaign, 22 partner banks will establish dedicated camps and kiosks at designated livestock markets to facilitate buyers and sellers. The participating banks will onboard cattle traders, transporters, and related service providers by helping them open accounts and adopt QR code-based digital payment methods.

To ease transaction volumes expected during the Eid period, the SBP has introduced a temporary relaxation of transaction and account balance limits, effective from May 14 to June 5, 2026. Where feasible, mobile banking vans, ATMs, and cash deposit machines will also be deployed at and around livestock markets to improve access to financial services.

The SBP has urged the public to use mobile banking applications and the Raast payment system instead of carrying large amounts of cash, in the interest of safety, transparency, and financial security.