The National Bank of Pakistan (NBP) has enabled digital passport fee collections through Raast Person-to-Merchant (P2M) QR, allowing citizens to conveniently pay passport fees using the mobile applications of participating banks.
The initiative is aimed at making passport fee payments faster, easier and more accessible by providing citizens with a digital alternative to traditional payment methods.
The development supports Pakistan’s wider efforts to expand digital payment adoption, improve public-service delivery and promote financial inclusion.
Table of Contents
Key Takeaways
- Bank: National Bank of Pakistan
- Payment System: Raast Person-to-Merchant (P2M) QR
- Service: Digital passport fee collection
- Payment Method: Mobile applications of participating banks
- Main Benefit: Faster and more convenient passport fee payments
- Broader Objective: Digitalisation and financial inclusion
How the Digital Passport Fee Payment System Works
Under the new arrangement, citizens can pay passport-related fees through the mobile banking applications of participating banks by using the designated Raast P2M QR payment facility.
Instead of relying entirely on conventional payment channels, applicants can use digital banking services to complete the payment process remotely.
The system is expected to reduce inconvenience for citizens and make the passport application process more efficient.
What Is Raast P2M QR?
Raast is Pakistan’s instant payment system developed by the State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) to support fast, secure and interoperable digital payments.
The Person-to-Merchant, or P2M, feature allows individuals to make payments to registered merchants, businesses and institutions through QR codes or other digital payment channels.
By integrating passport fee collection with Raast P2M QR, NBP is helping connect government-related payments with Pakistan’s growing digital financial infrastructure.
Benefits for Citizens
The new payment facility is expected to provide several benefits, including:
- Convenient payment through mobile banking apps
- Reduced dependence on cash and traditional payment methods
- Faster processing of passport fee transactions
- Greater accessibility for applicants in different locations
- Improved transparency and payment tracking
- Less time spent visiting physical payment counters
The digital option may be particularly useful for citizens who already use mobile banking services and prefer completing government payments online.
Supporting Pakistan’s Digital Payment Agenda
The initiative is aligned with Pakistan’s broader move toward digital payments across public and private-sector services.
Government institutions and financial organizations have increasingly been adopting digital payment systems to improve efficiency, reduce cash-based transactions and expand access to formal financial services.
The use of Raast for passport fee collections also demonstrates how instant payment infrastructure can be applied to everyday government services.
NBP’s Role in Digital Financial Services
As one of Pakistan’s largest banks, NBP plays an important role in supporting national payment initiatives and expanding access to banking services.
The bank’s participation in digital passport fee collection reflects its efforts to modernize payment channels and facilitate technology-based public services.
The integration may also encourage wider adoption of mobile banking among citizens who previously relied on cash or over-the-counter payments.
Why This Development Matters
Digital passport fee payments can help improve the overall customer experience by making an important government-related transaction more convenient.
The initiative can also contribute to:
Greater Financial Inclusion
Citizens with access to participating mobile banking applications can make payments without needing to visit a bank branch.
Improved Public-Service Efficiency
Digital transactions can reduce manual processing and improve payment reconciliation.
Lower Cash Dependency
The facility supports the shift from cash-based payments toward secure electronic transactions.
Wider Raast Adoption
Using Raast for government service payments can increase public awareness and acceptance of Pakistan’s instant payment system.
Future Scope of Digital Government Payments
The integration of Raast into passport fee collections could serve as a model for expanding digital payments to other government services.
Similar systems may eventually support payments for licenses, certificates, permits, taxes and other public-sector services, helping create a more connected digital government ecosystem.
FAQs
What has NBP enabled through Raast?
NBP has enabled digital passport fee collection through Raast Person-to-Merchant QR payments.
How can citizens pay passport fees digitally?
Citizens can use the mobile applications of participating banks to make payments through the designated Raast P2M QR facility.
What is Raast P2M QR?
Raast P2M QR is a digital payment facility that allows individuals to pay registered merchants and institutions using QR-based instant payments.
What are the main benefits of the initiative?
The facility offers convenience, faster transactions, reduced cash dependency and less reliance on traditional payment methods.
Does this support financial inclusion?
Yes. The initiative supports financial inclusion by expanding access to digital payment channels for government-related services.
