KARACHI: Senior leadership of Mastercard and The Bank of Punjab (BOP) met in Karachi to reaffirm and expand their strategic alliance aimed at supporting Pakistan’s transition towards a cashless, digitally connected and financially inclusive economy.
Ms. Ailish Campbell, Executive Vice President – Public Sector, headed the Mastercard delegation, which also comprised Mr. Arslan Khan, Country Manager – Pakistan, and Mr. Jibran Jamshad, Director – Business Development. The BOP delegation was led by Mr. Zafar Masud, President & CEO, and included Mr. Nofel Daud, Chief Digital Officer, Mr. Raza Bashir, Chief of Staff & Strategy, Mr. Qasim Nadeem, Group Head – Treasury & Financial Institutions, and Mr. Rai Usman, Head of Cards.
Building on a long-standing and successful collaboration, the two organisations discussed strengthening their relationship to support Pakistan’s digital economy through financial inclusion, transit payments, digital government disbursements and cross-border remittances. A significant part of the talks focused on promoting greater acceptance and usage of secure digital payment solutions across consumers, merchants, businesses and government institutions through innovative card-based solutions, e-commerce, contactless transactions and next-generation payment technologies.
The meeting participants also reviewed the success of the collaboration in supporting the Government of Punjab’s flagship development and financial inclusion initiatives by expanding access to formal financial services. The CM Punjab Asaan Karobar Card, CM Punjab Kissan Card and CM Punjab Livestock Card, Mastercard-enabled debit and credit cards issued by BOP, have helped deliver secure, transparent and scalable financing to entrepreneurs, farmers and livestock owners across the province. BOP also highlighted its implementation of the Ramzan Nigehban Programme, which provided financial assistance through Mastercard-enabled debit cards, showcasing how digital payment mechanisms can enhance transparency, operational efficiency and beneficiary experience while reducing reliance on cash-based disbursements.
Recognising the growing importance of smart and easy-to-access mobility, Mastercard and BOP are also collaborating on digitization of the largest transit program covering 13 cities of Punjab to enable commuters make seamless contactless fare payments using bank-issued cards. The initiative aligns with Pakistan’s broader vision of developing modern, integrated and cashless transport systems. In addition, the meeting explored opportunities to strengthen collaboration in cross-border payments and remittances, leveraging Mastercard’s global network, together with BOP’s growing presence in international payments, to improve convenience, accessibility and efficiency for overseas Pakistanis and their families.
Speaking on the occasion, Mr. Zafar Masud said: “Our collaboration with Mastercard has already demonstrated the transformative role digital payments can play in supporting financial inclusion, government service delivery and economic development. Together, we have enabled some of Punjab’s largest digital financing and social support initiatives. As we look ahead, we see significant opportunities to expand our collaboration in building a cashless economy, modernising payment infrastructure, strengthening remittance ecosystems and providing innovative solutions that create lasting value for citizens, businesses and governments.”
Ms. Ailish Campbell said: “As Pakistan paves the way for the future of payments with clarity, conviction and institutional strength, Mastercard is proud to collaborate with BOP to help advance the nation’s digital transformation efforts. By combining our global expertise and secure payment technologies with robust public sector partnerships, we can contribute to shaping a prosperous and resilient digital economy where everyone can thrive.”
