SBP Digital Rupee Update: State Bank Initiates Pilot Phase for “Pak-Digital” Currency

KARACHI — The State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) has officially entered the pilot phase of its Central Bank Digital Currency (CBDC), titled “Pak-Digital.” Selected commercial banks have begun testing the digital rupee for inter-bank settlements and retail micro-payments. This move aims to reduce the circulation of physical currency, combat document forgery, and bring millions of unbanked citizens into the formal financial ecosystem. The full commercial rollout is expected by early 2027.