By Hasnain Ali
Just imagine paying your children’s school fees, utility charges and taxes—all from one mobile application—without having to wait in a long queue or use cash.
This is exactly what the Punjab Information Technology Board (PITB) is trying to make possible. The board is ensuring to push Pakistan towards a cashless economy.
To assist schools, business, and government offices as well to handle transactions electronically, the PITB has launched several digital payment platforms, including PayZen and e-Pay.
These platforms aim to simplify payments, increase transparency, and bring more people into the formal financial system.
Punjab Digital Payment Platforms Leading the Cashless Drive
“PITB has developed a full strategy to encourage digital payments through PayZen and e-Pay,” Faisal Yousaf, PITB Chairman, said.
PayZen was developed with banks and 1LINK and is already being used by institutions across Punjab.
“It has become a key tool in promoting digital payments throughout the province,” Yousaf added. A mobile app for PayZen is also in the works, allowing payments via mobile banking, ATMs, and debit or credit cards.
How Schools and Businesses Are Benefiting from PayZen
Schools, housing societies, training centers, and government offices that register with PITB receive a dedicated PayZen account and dashboard.
“Once a payment is made, PayZen confirms it instantly, sending messages or emails to both the payer and the institution,” Yousaf explained.
Digitizing Recurring Payments for Greater Efficiency
The PITB has signed agreements to digitize recurring payments, such as school fees and membership dues, improving efficiency and accountability while reducing cash handling.
Expanding Digital Payments to Municipal and Transport Services
Looking ahead, PayZen will connect with municipal services, development authorities, and transport departments, allowing citizens to pay taxes, bills, and fees through one unified platform.
PITB also plans to link PayZen with banks, microfinance institutions, and Pakistan’s instant payment system, Raast, while introducing QR code and mobile wallet payments to reach rural and unbanked populations.
E-Pay Punjab and Business Community Support
Another major initiative, e-Pay Punjab, was developed with the Punjab Finance Department to make person-to-government (P2G) payments easier.
The platform currently handles 94 different taxes and fees, with plans to expand further.
The PITB’s efforts have drawn praise from the business community for helping modernize Pakistan’s financial system.
“Digital payments not only move the economy toward cashless transactions but also help record them properly,” said Kashif Anwar, former President of the Lahore Chamber of Commerce and Industry.
“The undocumented economy has caused many problems in Pakistan. Digital payments will streamline operations for both businesses and government offices.”
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