10/02/2026
PRA’s CIRCULAR NO. 1 of 2026 (No.PRA.Circulars-32-24/1276)
on January 23rd, 2026, regarding the "MANDATORY ADOPTION OF RAAST QR CODE–BASED DIGITAL PAYMENT FACILITY AT RESTAURANTS, HOTELS AND BEAUTY PARLORS OPERATING IN THE PUNJAB".
The gist of this circular is that all restaurants, hotels, and beauty parlours in the province are now mandated to obtain a RAAST QR code-enabled bank account from the State Bank of Pakistan within 14 days, ensure the facility is active and operational, and conspicuously display the QR code at their business premises for ease of customer access. This initiative aims to align with government visions for transparency, improved documentation, and the promotion of modern, secure, and efficient digital payment practices within the services economy.