Federal Minister for Finance and Revenue Senator Muhammad Aurangzeb held a high-level meeting with Chairperson Pakistan Digital Authority (PDA) Dr Sohail Munir in Islamabad on Monday, 16 June 2025 to review progress on digital finance, digital transformation, and e-commerce reforms. The two discussed key initiatives under the Digital Pakistan Vision, including the National Digital Policy 2025, the Pakistan Digital Economy Framework, and the E-Payments System Expansion.

The meeting comes as the government races to meet its 2025 digital targets, including a 50% increase in digital transactions and a 30% rise in broadband penetration. Aurangzeb praised PDA’s work, calling it “critical to Pakistan’s economic growth and financial inclusion.” He also directed the authority to fast-track the National Digital ID (NDID) rollout, which aims to simplify access to government services and banking for millions of Pakistanis.

What was discussed in the meeting

  • Digital finance expansion: The PDA briefed the minister on the Roshan Digital Account (RDA) 2.0, which now allows overseas Pakistanis to open accounts remotely in minutes. Over 1.2 million RDA accounts have been opened since launch, with deposits exceeding $3.5 billion (Rs 980 billion). The PDA is now pushing for local e-commerce integration, so small businesses can accept digital payments without high fees.
  • E-commerce growth: The authority highlighted the Pakistan E-Commerce Policy 2025, which offers tax breaks for startups and incentives for logistics companies. The goal is to increase e-commerce’s share of GDP from 1.2% to 3% by 2027.
  • Cybersecurity upgrades: With online fraud rising, the PDA is finalizing a National Cybersecurity Framework to protect digital payments and government databases. A cybersecurity helpline (0800-11111) will launch next month for public complaints.
  • Broadband and 5G: The PDA confirmed that 5G trials will begin in Karachi, Lahore, and Islamabad by September 2025, with commercial rollout expected by March 2026. The government has allocated Rs 50 billion for rural broadband expansion this year.
  • Digital ID system: The National Digital ID (NDID) will replace multiple IDs (CNIC, SIM verification, bank accounts) with a single biometric-linked number. The pilot phase starts in Peshawar and Quetta in July 2025, with nationwide rollout by December 2026.

Why this matters for you

If you’re an overseas Pakistani, the Roshan Digital Account 2.0 lets you send money home faster and cheaper—fees are now capped at 1% for transfers over $1,000. Small business owners can expect lower payment processing fees as e-commerce grows, while freelancers will benefit from easier digital contracts under the new policy.

For students and job seekers, the NDID will streamline applications for scholarships, exams (like NTS and PPSC), and government jobs by replacing paper-based verification. The cybersecurity helpline will help if your bank account or SIM is hacked.

What’s next? Key dates to watch

  • July 2025: NDID pilot launch in Peshawar and Quetta.
  • September 2025: Start of 5G trials in Karachi, Lahore, and Islamabad.
  • December 2026: Full NDID rollout nationwide.
  • March 2026: Expected commercial 5G launch.

The PDA has set up a public dashboard to track progress: www.pda.gov.pk/progress.

What you can do today

  • Open a Roshan Digital Account: Visit roshandigital.pak.gov.pk to apply in minutes. No need to visit a bank.
  • Check your NDID eligibility: The PDA will announce registration details for the pilot cities soon. Follow @PDA_Pakistan for updates.
  • Report cyber fraud: Call 0800-11111 or email cybersecurity@pda.gov.pk if you suspect fraud.
  • Switch to digital payments: Use JazzCash, Easypaisa, or HBL Konnect for lower fees and cashback offers.

What to watch for

The PDA’s next big push is AI-driven customer service for government services, expected by early 2026. The authority is also negotiating with Alipay and PayPal to allow cross-border payments without intermediaries, which could slash remittance costs further.

Critics warn that rural broadband expansion is lagging—only 42% of villages have 4G coverage. The PDA has promised a revised rural connectivity plan by August 2025 to address this gap.

Aurangzeb’s endorsement signals strong political backing for PDA’s work, but execution speed will decide whether Pakistan’s digital economy takes off—or stalls. For now, the roadmap is clear: more digital IDs, faster internet, and cheaper payments. The question is whether the bureaucracy can keep up.