The central bank has rolled out a transformative digital initiative to make the purchase of sacrificial animals more secure, efficient and hassle-free ahead of time for Eid-ul-Azha 2026. The State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) has officially started a nationwide ‘Go Cashless’ Campaign in designated cattle markets. Its objective is to shift the conventional cash-dominated livestock trading market to a safe digital banking system where cattle traders and buyers can steer clear of theft, pickpocketing and fraud.
The bank has built upon the experiences of previous pilot stages and greatly scaled up in 2026. This detailed guide will teach you the tricks of the digital infrastructure, transaction relaxations, and the things you should know about so that you can make a hassle free payment with your smartphone on Eid.
Campaign Scope and Banking Partnerships
The State Bank of Pakistan has scaled up operations this year to ensure maximum inclusion and accessibility for citizens and livestock traders alike.
Huge Market Expansion: The old campaign was only limited to a few markets in some cities of Pakistan whereas this campaign is going to cover 96 major cattle markets all over Pakistan.
There are 22 major commercial and microfinance banks that are active, among them are involved in the collaborative banking network. These institutions are mobilizing and establishing digital booths, temporary kiosks and facilitation camps within the market areas.
On-the-Spot Account Opening: Bank representatives at the venues are not only guiding buyers but are also opening instant, zero-balance bank accounts or digital wallets equipped with static QR Codes for cattle farmers (Beoparis), transporters, and local labor.
How to Make Digital Payments at the Market
Instead of carrying bulky and risky wads of paper currency, buyers can process transactions within seconds using their smartphones. SBP has enabled multiple secure payment channels:
- Raast Instant Payment System: Utilizing Pakistan’s premier instant payment platform via the State Bank of Pakistan Raast Portal, buyers can instantly transfer funds to a trader’s Raast ID (mobile number) or IBAN completely free of any transactional charges.
- QR Code Scanning: Registered livestock traders will display unique QR codes at their stalls. Buyers can scan these codes using any active mobile banking application or branchless banking wallets (such as EasyPaisa, JazzCash, Nayapay, etc.) to clear dues immediately.
- Mobile Banking Apps (IBFT): Buyers can use standard Interbank Funds Transfer features within their respective banking applications to verify the trader’s title and transfer funds securely on the spot.
#SBP has launched a nationwide #GoCashless campaign for Eid al-Azha 2026 to promote secure, convenient, and cashless transactions in cattle markets across Pakistan. #SBP encourages public to make use of digital payment channels, including mobile banking apps, branchless banking… pic.twitter.com/JQdG6jzzup
— SBP (@StateBank_Pak) May 15, 2026
Temporary Relaxation of Transaction Limits by SBP
Because sacrificial animals command higher prices, standard daily or monthly digital wallet limits can often hinder large financial transfers. Recognizing this bottleneck, the SBP has announced an institutional relaxation:
- Effective Period: This temporary financial regulatory relief is active from May 14 to June 5, 2026.
- Limit Increases: During this window, the daily and monthly transaction thresholds, as well as maximum balance ceilings for Asaan Accounts, merchant wallets, and standard branchless accounts, have been temporarily increased. This ensures multi-million rupee deals can slide through digitally without a hitch.
Furthermore, commercial banks have been directed to deploy Mobile ATM vans and Cash Deposit Machines (CDMs) at the perimeters of these 96 designated markets to handle any emergency cash requirements.
Key Benefits of a Cashless Cattle Market
The best of this digital payments landscape is vast opportunity to both urban consumers and rural farmers:
Improved Security: Reduces the constant risk of robbery, pursesnatching and pickpocketing in open air markets and malls with large volumes of people.
Chaotic Eid rush and fake paper notes are a leading cause of losses for livestock sellers, but digital ledger transfers price transactions completely obviate the possibilities of paper currency fraud.
Financial Inclusion & Transparency: All transactions leave behind a verified digital footprint, enabling rural Cattle Traders (CTs) to get into the formal banking loop, and supporting national economic documentation.
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