The Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Information Technology Board (KPITB) organized an important event titled “Digital Payment Challenge 2025” at Durshal, Peshawar, aimed at promoting a cashless economy and expanding access to digital financial services across the province.
The event’s Chief Guest was Dr. Shafqat Ayaz, Former Special Assistant to the Chief Minister for Science and Information Technology, while Secretary Science & IT Amjad Ali Khan, KPITB officials, IT professionals, startup representatives, and media personnel attended the ceremony.
In his address, Dr. Shafqat Ayaz said that “The Digital Payment Challenge reflects the creative thinking of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa’s youth, their enthusiasm for technology, and their contribution toward modern financial systems. Our goal is to make Khyber Pakhtunkhwa a cashless province—providing citizens with transparent, fast, and secure financial solutions.”
He added that this program is a practical manifestation of the vision of PTI founder Imran Khan and Chief Minister Suhail Afridi, who are steering the province toward a digital, transparent, and self-reliant economy.
Dr. Ayaz remarked, “Imran Khan has always inspired the youth to embrace modern technology, and Chief Minister Suhail Afridi is transforming that vision into action at the provincial level.”
He further said that KPITB is creating opportunities for youth employment, training, and access to the digital market. “The digital economy is the future, and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa is already moving decisively in that direction.”
In his remarks, Secretary Science & IT Amjad Ali Khan stated that “The Digital Payment Challenge 2025 is a practical example of the Government of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa’s vision of ‘Digital Transformation of Governance.’ The program provides young IT professionals with an opportunity to present innovative financial solutions.”
He added that the government’s top priority is to make all public payments and citizen services transparent, easy, and accessible through digital payment models.
During the Digital Payment Challenge 2025, KPITB invited proposals from professionals, students, and startups on innovative online payment systems.
A total of fifty-two (52) IT experts and agencies submitted their ideas, out of which the top five were shortlisted to present their concepts before a panel of judges.
The judges evaluated each presentation, asked questions, and appreciated the innovation and practicality of the ideas. The best presenters were awarded certificates and prizes for their outstanding contributions.
Dr. Shafqat Ayaz and Secretary Amjad Ali Khan expressed their commitment to expand this program to other divisions of the province next year, enabling more youth to participate.
They emphasized that this initiative reflects the vision of Imran Khan and Chief Minister Suhail Afridi to make Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Pakistan’s first fully digital governance model province