KARACHI: Pakistan have launched a digital service that allows mobile wallet users to invest directly in government treasury bills from their smartphones, expanding access to sovereign-backed instruments.
The initiative is led by JazzCash and Mobilink Bank in partnership with the finance ministry and the State Bank of Pakistan.
Under the service, eligible users can buy treasury bills through the JazzCash app with a minimum investment of Rs5,000.
Officials said the move aims to widen financial inclusion and bring more citizens into formal investment channels in a country of over 240 million people, where participation in capital markets remains limited.
Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb said the government is working to deepen financial markets and mobilize domestic savings.
He said broader access to regulated assets is essential for economic growth and stronger household participation in savings.
The app allows users to view available treasury bills, expected returns, yields, maturity values and tax details before investing.
The service will initially offer three-month treasury bills, with longer tenures planned in later phases.
Finance adviser Khurram Schehzad said more than 563,000 investors are currently active on the Pakistan Stock Exchange, while total participation across public markets stands at around 1.4 million.
He said investment access has traditionally remained limited to urban and higher-income groups.
He added that digital channels can help expand access for first-time investors and small savers.
The institutions involved aim to broaden the range of digital investment products and reach up to one million active investors in government securities and related instruments.
