ISLAMABAD: Minister of State for Finance Bilal Azhar Kiani has said that the government has made QR codes mandatory for all retail outlets in Islamabad and across the provinces to promote digital payments.
Speaking at a policy discussion organised by the Institute for Public Opinion Research (IPOR), the minister said the government is encouraging a cashless economy. Under executive orders, every retail shop is now required to offer at least one digital payment option through a QR code.
The event was held to share findings of IPOR’s nationwide study titled Track and Trace Compliance in the Tobacco Industry – Volume II.
Bilal Azhar Kiani said all retailers and traders have been directed to adopt digital payment methods. He added that federal and provincial governments are working on new laws to support the move, which aims to document the economy and strengthen the “Cashless Pakistan” initiative.
The IPOR study highlighted major gaps in compliance with the Federal Board of Revenue’s Track and Trace System (TTS) in the tobacco sector.
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Referring to the study, the minister said the government is committed to strictly enforcing the track and trace system. He said action will be stepped up against illegal cigarette brands and stronger monitoring will be carried out in the tobacco retail market.
He clarified that retailers selling legal cigarette brands will not face action. However, brands not complying with the law will be brought into the legal framework, and enforcement will be further improved.
The minister said retail outlets come under the authority of provincial governments, which can take action against sellers of illegal cigarettes. He added that warehouses and transport networks in the tobacco sector are also being monitored, and stronger enforcement is expected to increase compliance and boost government revenue.
