In a decisive leap for Pakistan’s payments ecosystem, PayFast and Askari Bank have entered a strategic alliance to launch a Raast‑embedded, white‑label digital checkout solution. The signing took place at Askari Bank’s Digital Innovation Lab at NSTP, NUST, Islamabad, signaling both institutions’ shared ambition to accelerate digital commerce across the country.
Read More: Jubilee Life and UBL jointly launch Jubilee Traditional Endowment Products
“This partnership with Askari Bank reflects our commitment to local solutions for local needs. By enabling Raast within this white‑label platform, Askari Bank can deliver secure, seamless digital payments under its own brand—built on trusted infrastructure, empowering institutions and creating lasting impact for businesses and consumers alike,” said Adnan Ali, CEO of PayFast. Mahwish Saad Khan, Chief Business Officer at PayFast, added: “This partnership is an important milestone in our journey to empower institutions with modern digital infrastructure. By integrating Raast into the checkout experience, we are proud to support Askari Bank as it expands its digital offerings and plays a leading role in strengthening Pakistan’s payments ecosystem.”
From Askari Bank’s side, Ali Naqvi, Chief Information Officer, remarked: “With our white‑label application featuring Raast digital merchant onboarding, an internet payment gateway and e‑invoicing, we are not only strengthening Askari Bank’s digital footprint but also opening new frontiers in retail, wholesale, e‑commerce and services. This is more than a technological leap; it is the promise of empowerment, inclusion and accelerated growth for all who participate in elevating Pakistan’s digital economy.”
Under this collaboration, Askari Bank will embed PayFast’s infrastructure to power merchant payments, using account‑based transfers under Raast. The integration includes features such as digital merchant onboarding, gateways, and e‑invoicing modules—setting the stage for more inclusive and scalable commerce. This move aligns closely with national objectives to promote a cashless Pakistan and reduce payment friction, particularly for small businesses.