In a significant stride toward bolstering Pakistan’s digital economy, the National Bank of Pakistan (NBP) has entered into a landmark partnership with Hazara Electric Supply Company (HAZECO) to provide end-to-end digital bill collection services. This strategic alliance is designed to modernize and streamline utility payments for nearly 900,000 electricity consumers in the Hazara region, setting a new benchmark for public-sector digital transformation.
A Formal Signing Ceremony Marking a New Era of Utility Payments
The agreement between the two organizations was formally signed in Islamabad by Mr. Imran Gul, General Manager North – NBP Islamabad, and Engr. Qazi Muhammad Tahir, CEO of HAZECO. The signing ceremony was attended by notable figures from both institutions, including Mr. Hisham Jan Kiani, Head of Digital Solutions North – Digital Banking Group (DBG), and Mr. Fakhar-uz-Zaman, Regional Head – NBP Abbottabad.
The event marked not only a contractual agreement but also a powerful commitment to simplifying financial transactions for utility customers, reducing inefficiencies in the billing system, and increasing transparency.
NBP’s SMARTPAY and 1LINK Reverse Aggregation to Power the Solution
Under the agreement, NBP will implement its cutting-edge SMARTPAY and 1LINK Reverse Aggregation platforms to facilitate real-time digital collection of electricity bills for HAZECO customers. These platforms are well-known for their speed, reliability, and security—ensuring a seamless experience for both the utility provider and end-users.
Customers will be able to pay their electricity bills digitally via a variety of platforms, including mobile apps, online banking, ATM networks, and branchless banking services. This will eliminate the need for traditional paper-based payments and long queues at physical payment centers.
Impact on HAZECO’s 900,000 Customers: Easier, Faster, and Safer Bill Payments
With a growing customer base of nearly 900,000 households and businesses, HAZECO faces the complex challenge of timely and accurate bill collection. This partnership with NBP addresses this challenge head-on by offering customers multiple secure payment options and improving the overall billing experience.
Real-time updates, reduced human error, and automated reconciliation are just a few benefits that HAZECO stands to gain. Additionally, customers can now enjoy the convenience of paying from anywhere, anytime—significantly reducing delays and late payments.
A Strategic Step Toward Public Sector Digital Transformation
Senior officials from both NBP and HAZECO emphasized that the collaboration reflects a mutual commitment to digital innovation and customer-centricity in public utilities. The project aligns with the Government of Pakistan’s larger vision of a digitally empowered economy where financial inclusion and operational efficiency go hand in hand.
Mr. Imran Gul, General Manager North – NBP, remarked during the event:
This partnership is a major step toward digitizing essential public services. By integrating HAZECO with NBP’s digital payment platforms, we aim to improve not only customer satisfaction but also internal financial management and transparency.
Engr. Qazi Muhammad Tahir, CEO of HAZECO, also shared his thoughts:
Digitalization is the way forward, and we are proud to be among the first in our sector to partner with NBP for a fully digital billing solution. This will bring long-term benefits to our customers and operational teams alike.
Enhancing Financial Ecosystems with Smart, Secure, and Scalable Solutions
NBP’s SMARTPAY platform is rapidly gaining ground across the country, enabling utility companies, educational institutions, and government departments to digitize their payment infrastructure. It is built to scale and adapt, meeting the diverse needs of public-sector partners and their customers.
The use of 1LINK Reverse Aggregation also ensures interoperability, allowing customers to pay using any bank or financial service that is part of the 1LINK network, further expanding access.
Building a Digital-First Future
This collaboration marks a new era in how utility services are managed and delivered in Pakistan. With HAZECO’s inclusion in the NBP SMARTPAY ecosystem, more public-sector entities are expected to follow suit and adopt digital solutions for their financial operations.
NBP continues to position itself as a key enabler of the country’s digital transformation. Its efforts not only drive technological innovation but also contribute to building a secure, transparent, and inclusive financial landscape in line with global best practices.
By bridging the gap between traditional banking and modern digital finance, NBP is empowering public institutions and the communities they serve — and this partnership with HAZECO is just the beginning.
