Visa, a global leader in digital payments, has officially introduced Google Wallet for cardholders in Pakistan, marking a major milestone in the country’s digital payment evolution. The announcement was made during a market-wide event hosted by Visa, attended by key stakeholders from the Pakistani financial industry.
Starting today, Visa cardholders from major banks, including HBL, Bank Alfalah, UBL, and Meezan Bank, can add their Visa cards to Google Wallet on Android and Wear OS devices. This integration enables seamless contactless payments at millions of locations globally, wherever Google Wallet is accepted. Other financial institutions, including JS Bank, Allied Bank, Zindigi, and Easypaisa, are expected to follow soon, expanding access to a broader customer base.
The introduction of Google Wallet in Pakistan aligns with the growing demand for digital payment options. Consumers, both locals and tourists, can now enjoy the convenience of using their mobile devices for transactions, eliminating the need to carry physical cards. The move is expected to accelerate digital adoption in Pakistan, where electronic transactions are already on the rise. In 2024, digital transactions processed by banks and electronic money institutions (EMIs) accounted for 84% of total retail payments, reflecting a strong shift towards cashless solutions.
One of the core advantages of Google Wallet is its enhanced security features, powered by Visa’s tokenization technology. Instead of using the actual 16-digit primary account number (PAN), Google Wallet generates a unique token number for each transaction. This process ensures that sensitive cardholder data remains protected, reducing the risk of fraud while improving card authorization rates.
Visa’s Country Manager for Pakistan and Afghanistan, Umar Khan, emphasized the importance of this partnership in strengthening Pakistan’s digital payment infrastructure. “We are excited to continue our commitment to enhancing Pakistan’s digital payment ecosystem through this collaboration with Google. As the country experiences rapid digitization, consumer demand for secure and convenient payment methods is at an all-time high. The enablement of Google Wallet will not only cater to this demand but also improve the customer experience by offering enhanced security and ease of use. Additionally, Pakistanis traveling abroad can now use Google Wallet seamlessly for transactions worldwide.”
Farhan Qureshi, Country Director for Google Pakistan, highlighted the role of Google Wallet in driving financial inclusion and digital adoption. “Pakistan’s digital payments landscape is evolving rapidly, and with more people embracing digital transactions, Google Wallet provides a secure, seamless, and efficient way to make payments, shop, and travel. Whether tapping to pay in stores, checking out online, or accessing boarding passes for travel, Google Wallet keeps everything protected in one place. More importantly, this launch will significantly contribute to financial inclusion in Pakistan and unlock new economic opportunities for all. It underscores Google’s long-term commitment to Pakistan’s digital future.”
By introducing Google Wallet, Visa and Google are reinforcing their dedication to advancing Pakistan’s digital payments ecosystem. This initiative is expected to benefit not only consumers but also merchants, who will gain access to a broader customer base using secure, contactless payment solutions. The growing acceptance of digital wallets in Pakistan signals a transformative shift towards a cashless economy, paving the way for further financial innovation in the country.
