Google Pay, the global contactless payment platform, is preparing to make its official debut in Pakistan by mid-March 2025, marking a significant advancement in the country’s rapidly evolving digital payments ecosystem. The rollout, confirmed by Google in November 2024, will be facilitated through strategic collaborations with Visa, Mastercard, and leading local banks.
Seamless Payment Integration
Pakistani users will soon be able to link their bank-issued debit and credit cards to Google Pay via the Google Wallet app. This integration will enable smooth and secure contactless payments at compatible terminals nationwide. However, the initial launch will focus solely on enabling basic contactless payments. Additional Google Wallet features, such as loyalty cards and public transport passes, will be introduced in subsequent phases.
Infrastructure Readiness
Preparations for the launch are reportedly well underway, with four to six major banks collaborating closely with Visa and Mastercard to meet the necessary technical requirements. Pakistan’s payment infrastructure is primed to support the service, with 133,000 point-of-sale (POS) terminals across the country. According to the State Bank of Pakistan, 99% of these terminals are already equipped to accept mobile contactless payments.
Industry Impact
The entry of Google Pay is expected to provide a significant boost to Pakistan’s burgeoning digital payments sector, which has witnessed impressive growth in recent years. As per data published by the State Bank of Pakistan and analyzed by Profit, electronic payments now account for 9.3% of the total value of all transactions in the country—a figure that has doubled in the last two years.
Industry experts believe that the launch of Google Wallet, compatible with payment cards from any financial institution, will accelerate the adoption of digital payments across POS machines and e-commerce platforms. This development aligns with the broader trend of increased digital financial inclusion in Pakistan.
Looking Ahead
As Pakistan continues to embrace innovative payment solutions, Google Pay’s entry signals a milestone in the country’s journey toward a cashless economy. While the first phase of the rollout will focus on basic functionality, the anticipated addition of advanced features is likely to further strengthen the digital payment landscape in the coming years.
Source: Profit