ISLAMABAD – Pakistan’s rapidly growing e-commerce sector is incurring significant financial losses at the checkout stage, with inefficiencies in payment systems costing businesses an estimated $1.61 billion annually, according to a new white paper by Payoneer.

The report highlights that merchants across Asia collectively lose around $72bn each year due to checkout-related challenges, with Pakistan representing a notable share of this gap.

A major portion of the losses in Pakistan — approximately $0.97bn — stems from cart abandonment, which accounts for over 60 per cent of the total. Analysts attribute this to friction during the checkout process, including unexpected charges, payment declines, and lack of pricing transparency.

Settlement delays contribute a further $0.46bn in losses, while $0.18bn is lost due to foreign exchange (FX) costs and other payment-related inefficiencies, the report noted.

Despite strong consumer demand, many transactions fail to convert into completed purchases, limiting revenue realisation for businesses. The issue is particularly acute for cross-border sellers, as international customers increasingly expect localised payment options and pricing in their own currencies.

Industry experts say complex payment systems involving multiple intermediaries further erode merchant margins, while delays in settlement cycles restrict cash flow, affecting businesses’ ability to fulfil orders and expand operations.

The findings point to structural weaknesses in Pakistan’s digital trade ecosystem, where financial infrastructure has yet to keep pace with the country’s expanding participation in global e-commerce.

Experts suggest that improving checkout processes, streamlining payment channels, and ensuring faster settlement could help address these inefficiencies. Introducing localised payment methods and transparent pricing, along with reducing fragmentation in banking relationships, may enhance conversion rates and unlock liquidity for businesses.

As Pakistan seeks to strengthen its position in Asia’s digital economy, addressing these bottlenecks could transform lost value into tangible growth for exporters and online sellers.

Lahore – April 21, 2026: CEO CBD Punjab, Imran Amin, toured the CBD Walk and CBD Lake projects to evaluate ongoing development efforts and monitor progress firsthand. He carried out a thorough inspection of both projects, reaffirming CBD Punjab’s dedication to delivering projects on schedule and to high standards.

CEO CBD Punjab Imran Amin was accompanied by senior officials including Director Project Management Asif Iqbal, Director Engineering Umar Hayat, Director Construction Asif Babar, Director Architecture & Planning Sameer Aftab Sial, and project contractors.

During the briefing, it was shared that construction work on CBD Walk is progressing ahead of schedule, while maintenance work is underway at CBD Lake to further enhance its sustainability and long-term functionality. Plans are also in place to install dancing fountains to elevate the aesthetic appeal of the area.

Director Architecture & Planning Sameer Aftab Sial briefed the CEO on the exterior design of the structure and the selection of tiles, highlighting the project’s modern and visually appealing outlook.

Expressing satisfaction over the pace of development, CEO CBD Punjab Imran Amin emphasized the importance of maintaining high construction standards. He stated, “This project, aligned with the vision of the Chief Minister Punjab, will emerge as a significant asset, contributing to Lahore’s social and economic landscape.”

The visit reflects CBD Punjab’s continued focus on delivering innovative, sustainable, and high-quality urban development projects.

KARACHI – Motorcycle owners will be required to register through the Excise Department’s digital application by providing their CNIC and bank account details. Authorities have also allowed a 15-day window for citizens to transfer ownership of motorcycles into their own names in order to qualify

According to the government, payments will be made directly to verified bank accounts of eligible owners between April 15 and April 20, with each beneficiary receiving Rs2,000 per motorcycle. The initiative is aimed at providing short-term relief to commuters amid rising fuel costs, officials said.

Earlier, Sindh government announced a petrol subsidy of Rs2,000 for registered motorcycle owners, citing rising fuel costs and their impact on daily commuters. The move follows a sharp increase in fuel prices across the country, with petrol rising to Rs458.41 per litre and high-speed diesel to Rs520.35, significantly increasing transportation expenses.

Sindh Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah said motorcyclists were among the most affected groups amid escalating global oil prices, which he linked to geopolitical tensions, including the US-Israel war on Iran.

Addressing a press conference, he noted that Sindh has approximately 6.7 million registered motorcycles, underlining the scale of the initiative. The chief minister said the subsidy would be provided through a structured registration and verification process to ensure transparency.