Aurangzeb, Mastercard team discuss digital payments, financial inclusion

ISLAMABAD: Federal Minister for Finance and Revenue Senator Muhammad Aurangzeb held a meeting with a delegation of Mastercard led by Mark Elliott, Division President, East Arabia, to discuss opportunities for strengthening cooperation in digital payments, financial inclusion and cybersecurity, in line with Pakistan’s ongoing efforts to promote a cashless economy.

The Finance Minister appreciated Mastercard’s longstanding engagement with Pakistan’s financial sector and its continued interest in supporting the country’s digital transformation. He highlighted the government’s commitment to expanding digital payments, improving access to financial services and promoting greater efficiency and transparency across the economy.

Senator Muhammad Aurangzeb underscored the importance of the Prime Minister’s cashless economy initiative and emphasized the role of digital financial solutions in supporting agriculture, small and medium enterprises and other underserved segments of the economy. He noted that expanding the reach of digital financial services would be essential for achieving financial inclusion on a larger scale.

The meeting also covered opportunities for improving cross-border remittances, strengthening digital payment infrastructure and enhancing cybersecurity. The Finance Minister emphasized that cybersecurity and fraud prevention must remain central to the development of a secure and resilient digital financial ecosystem.

Mark Elliott reaffirmed Mastercard’s long-term commitment to Pakistan and expressed the company’s interest in leveraging its global expertise and technological capabilities to support the country’s digital transformation. He highlighted opportunities for further collaboration in digital payment acceptance, financial inclusion, remittances and cybersecurity.

The Finance Minister welcomed Mastercard’s continued engagement and investment in Pakistan and reiterated the government’s commitment to facilitating innovation and strengthening public-private partnerships. Both sides expressed their resolve to maintain close engagement and explore practical avenues of cooperation in support of Pakistan’s digital economy.

The Mastercard delegation also included Arslan Khan, Country Manager, Pakistan and Afghanistan, and Jibran Jamshad, Director Public Sector, Pakistan and Afghanistan.