MUZAFFARABAD (Kashmir English): The State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) has introduced a “Go Cashless” campaign to encourage people in cattle markets to use digital payment methods before Eid ul Adha.
From the 19th of May until the night before Eid, the purpose is to pay for sacrificial animals and connected services digitally rather than using cash to make these transactions.
From May 19 to the eve of Eidul Adha, the Go Cashless campaign aims to decrease cash-based transactions and promote the use of digital financial services for the purchase of sacrificial animals and associated costs.
To make this happen, the SBP is working with commercial banks to set up digital payment systems in 54 selected cattle markets across the country. People will be able to use these cashless methods to pay for animals, water, fodder, and even parking.
To aid in easier online payments during this busy time, the SBP has increased the limit for online transactions from May 19 to June 15. The move is based on a successful pilot project last year, where digital payments were used during Eid celebrations.
The SBP says using digital payments is not only safer and more convenient but also helps promote financial inclusion across Pakistan. The central bank is encouraging both buyers and sellers to take advantage of these digital options and be a part of “Go Cashless” capmaign during Eid.
اب منڈی میں کیش نہیں صرف قربانی کا جانور سنبھالیں۔ ادائیگی راست سے کریں جو ہے فوری، فری، آسان اور محفوظ۔ SBP #Raast #RaastQR #DigitalPayments# pic.twitter.com/nXLyJ8BknH
— SBP (@StateBank_Pak) May 19, 2025
Eid ul Adha is likely to take place on Friday, June 6, though the official date will be set after the Zilhaj moon has been sighted approximately on May 28.
Once the sighting of the moon is confirmed, the government makes it official and declares public holidays that usually stretch for 3 to 5 days, depending on the calendar.
Last year, Pakistan observed the Eid holidays from June 17 to 19 after the moon was sighted on June 7.
The final announcement about the moon sighting and holiday schedule will be made by the Ruet-e-Hilal Committee. Since the Islamic calendar follows the lunar cycle, all dates remain tentative until officially confirmed.
