Google Pay is set to launch in Pakistan by mid-March 2025. According to sources, the platform, confirmed by Google in November 2024, will collaborate with Visa, MasterCard, and leading local banks to offer services. This digital service will allow Pakistani users to link their bank-issued debit and credit cards with Google Pay via the Google Wallet app, enabling contactless digital payments. Initially, Google Pay will focus on basic contactless payments, but features like loyalty cards and public transport passes will not be available in the first phase. Preparations for the launch are underway, with four to six major banks working with Visa and MasterCard to meet technical requirements. The State Bank of Pakistan has confirmed that the country’s payment infrastructure is well-positioned to support the service, with 133,000 POS terminals, 99% of which are already equipped for mobile contactless payments.
