HBL Unveils HBL PayPak UnionPay Co-Badge Card: Empowering domestic payment schemes with global connectivity

HBL, Pakistan’s largest issuer of debit cards, launched the HBL PayPak UnionPay Co-Badge Debit Card at a ceremony held at HBL Tower, Karachi.

Developed in partnership with 1Link operated PayPak, Pakistan’s first domestic payment scheme and UnionPay International (UPI), the co-badge debit card combines PayPak’s domestic acceptance with UnionPay’s global reach. This dual-interface card features two networks on a single piece of plastic, thereby enabling customers to make secure and seamless transactions both within Pakistan and globally.

The launch builds on HBL’s long-standing partnership with both PayPak and UnionPay International. The Bank is the pioneer partner of PayPak cards and is currently one of the largest issuers and acquirers of PayPak cards in the country. HBL has been issuing UnionPay debit cards since 2013. UnionPay is a major global payment and financial services provider established in China in 2002.

China is a cornerstone of HBL’s international footprint. As the only Pakistani bank with branches in both Beijing and Urumqi, HBL continues to strengthen financial connectivity between Pakistan and China. From facilitating Pakistan’s inaugural Panda Bond issuance to being nominated as the Chair of the Council of the Interbank Consortium of the SCO (SCO IBC) for the forthcoming year 2026 – 2027, HBL continues to strengthen its footprint in the Chinese financial ecosystem.

This collaboration also aligns with the State Bank of Pakistan’s vision to promote PayPak – Pakistan’s first domestic payment scheme – as a secure, inclusive and interoperable digital payment ecosystem.

The launch ceremony was attended by industry leaders, including Jameel Ahmad, Governor – SBP, Muhammad Nassir Salim, President & CEO – HBL, Li Yong - Commercial Counsellor - People’s Republic of China, Aamir Kureshi, General Manager, President’s Office and Strategic Initiatives – HBL, Nadeem Haroon, Country Head, Pakistan, Qatar, Bahrain & Afghanistan – Union Pay International, and Najeeb Agrawalla, CEO - 1LINK.