Digital Payment is one a helpful way to limit COVID-19 in Pakistan

Several countries around the world including Pakistan have recommended consumers and businesses for using digital payment instead of cash.

Digital Payment is one a helpful way to limit COVID-19 in Pakistan

With each passing day of the Coronavirus outbreak bring uneasiness amongst people in number of ways. Recently the World Health Organization (WHO) suggested that currency notes are very likely to be one of a reason in spreading Coronavirus. In response, several countries around the world have recommended consumers and businesses for using digital payment instead of cash. As a result, a rapid growth in e-commerce has been observed.

According to surveys conducted in the affected regions worldwide, increase in online shopping behavior has been witnessed. In China, 50 percent and 31 percent respondents from Italy revealed that they are using eCommerce platforms more frequently. In neighboring India, 55 percent increase in online shopping has been observed. Grocery shopping platforms like ‘Walmart Grocery’, ‘Instacart’ and ‘Target’ have recorded 160 percent, 218 percent and 98 percent rise in mobile application downloads over the past month alone .

These trends show a good sign towards reliance on ecommerce platforms engulfing countries around the world. Moreover, various organizations are developing innovative solutions to cater user demands while practicing appropriate social distancing.

Delivery services in China are using drones and robots for driverless package disbursements to customers. US retailers are also pondering similar alternatives while companies like Uber Eats have waived all delivery charges to facilitate customers shopping online.

Integration of e-commerce in Pakistan has become the need of the hour based on the significant impact globally. E-commerce opens way for new opportunities by providing convenience and security to the existing processes and businesses.

In view of current situation due Coronavirus outbreak, it is necessary to get full benefit from e-commerce in Pakistan. It is essential that we go for cashless payments along with the integration/use of digital wallets and shift our primary method of payment to a digital one.

Currently, we have a variety of different modes of Digital Payment operating in Pakistan such as Easypaisa, JazzCash, Keenu Wallet etc. Easypaisa, a rather prominent digital wallet, was the first of its kind digital payment platform in Pakistan and provides effective tools to facilitate customers in making paperless, hassle-free and safe transactions from the comfort of their homes.

In addition, Easypaisa is already linked with numerous e-commerce platforms such as Daraz, Yayvo, iShopping, HomeShopping, Metro Cash & Carry, letting its users make purchases without the requirement of being physically present in a public environment and getting them delivered to your home.

In order to truly experience the potential of Digital Payment, we need to be more open to e-commerce platforms in Pakistan. All these services being conveniently provided at a touch on your smartphone, everyday processes have been digitized to a great extent.

With continuously rising in number of virus affected patients, it is important that digital methods of payment are adopted by consumers on a large scale to limit the spread and practice social distancing at best.