Google Pay, a digital payment platform, is set to officially launch in Pakistan by mid-March this year.
According to sources, Google confirmed in November last year that this digital service would be offered to Pakistani users in collaboration with Visa, Mastercard, and leading local banks. The service will allow users to link their bank-issued debit and credit cards to the Google Wallet app. Once linked, users can make digital payments without physical contact.
In the initial phase, Google Pay will focus on enabling contactless payments. However, features like loyalty cards and public transport passes, which are part of the Google Wallet, will not be available to Pakistani users during this phase.
Sources also confirmed that preparations for the launch are ongoing. Four to six major banks are working to meet the technical requirements for Visa and Mastercard integration.
According to the State Bank of Pakistan, the country’s payment infrastructure is well-positioned to support Google Pay. Pakistan has 133,000 point-of-sale (POS) terminals, 99% of which are already equipped to handle mobile contactless payments.
