Visa successfully hosted its inaugural market-focused client event, Visa Connect Karachi, bringing together key stakeholders from Pakistan’s financial industry to discuss the future of digital payments and financial innovation. The event, held last week, marked a significant milestone for Visa in the North Africa, Levant, and Pakistan (NALP) region, showcasing its commitment to accelerating digital transformation in the country.
With over 200 participants in attendance, including senior officials from the State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) and leading financial institutions, Visa Connect Karachi served as a platform for dialogue, collaboration, and knowledge-sharing on emerging trends in digital finance. The discussions focused on unlocking business growth opportunities, exploring new payment solutions, and leveraging AI to enhance digital experiences for businesses and consumers alike.
Senior regional experts delivered insightful presentations on the latest trends in digital payments, highlighting innovative solutions that can drive financial inclusion and enhance the efficiency of Pakistan’s digital economy. A high-level panel discussion, featuring top officials from both the public and private sectors, emphasized the need for effective partnerships to accelerate Pakistan’s transition toward a cashless society.Visa’s Country Manager for Pakistan and Afghanistan, Umar Khan, underscored the importance of the event, stating,
“Pakistan is rapidly progressing on its digitization journey, and Visa Connect is a testament to our commitment to driving innovation. The event provided a valuable opportunity for industry leaders to exchange ideas and discuss how Visa’s global expertise can be adapted to meet Pakistan’s evolving financial needs. The conversations that took place will contribute significantly to shaping the future of digital commerce in the country.”
Deputy Governor of the State Bank of Pakistan, Saleem Ullah, also highlighted the significance of Visa Connect Karachi, noting,
“This event was a crucial opportunity to engage with senior leaders in Pakistan’s financial sector. By fostering partnerships between public and private institutions, we can drive financial innovation and inclusion. Such collaborations are essential to strengthening Pakistan’s financial ecosystem and ensuring that digital payments are accessible, secure, and efficient for all.”
The event reinforced Visa’s role in facilitating digital transformation across Pakistan, with discussions covering the adoption of AI-powered solutions, seamless payment experiences, and enhanced security measures for financial transactions. Visa’s executives also reaffirmed their commitment to working closely with financial institutions, fintech companies, and regulatory authorities to expand digital payment accessibility and promote financial literacy.
As Pakistan continues to embrace digital banking and fintech solutions, Visa Connect Karachi set the stage for future collaborations that will help shape the nation’s financial landscape. The event’s success underscores the growing momentum toward a more inclusive and technology-driven financial sector, positioning Pakistan as a key player in the evolving global payments ecosystem.
