Why I Think Pakistan’s Cashless Bakra Mandi is More Than Just a Gimmick

’ll admit, I was skeptical when the State Bank started pushing QR codes in the middle of a noisy, muddy cattle market. As a journalist, you look at the Rs. 600 billion cash economy and think, “Good luck replacing that with an app.”

But the data for 2026 actually tells a different story. Last year, digital transactions at these mandis jumped to nearly Rs. 5 billion . That’s not just pocket change; that’s 64,000 people deciding to trust a bank transfer over a stack of notes.

I spoke to a friend who bought a goat this week in Karachi. He said the biggest hassle wasn’t the price but counting the cash. His solution? He scanned a Raast QR code on the seller’s wooden pole. Done. The seller got the money instantly, no fear of counterfeit notes .

Is it perfect? No. The network drops, and limits are annoying. But here is my opinion: This isn’t just about Eid. The State Bank is using the Bakra Mandi as a Trojan horse. If ڈیجیٹل پیمنٹ can survive the chaos of a livestock market, it can survive anywhere in Pakistan. That’s a bet I am willing to take. Read my detailed analysis on the blog.