Apple Pay is likely to enter Pakistan soon as references to the country’s domestic payment network, PayPak, were reportedly found in the iOS 27 beta.
The references include entries identifying “PayPak” as a payment network and “PayPak card” as its associated card name. Similar network references have previously been used by Apple as part of preparations for payment integrations in other markets.
The development has attracted attention among Pakistani users, with an ongoing debate across different online platforms, including Reddit, over whether the references indicate a genuine Apple Pay rollout or simply preparations that may not lead to a public launch.
If introduced, Apple Pay could make use of Pakistan’s existing contactless payment infrastructure. PayPak, operated by 1LINK under the State Bank of Pakistan, is already supported across more than 125,000 point-of-sale terminals and 18,500 ATMs nationwide.
The network’s EMV chip cards also support contactless NFC transactions, potentially allowing compatible merchants to accept tap-to-pay transactions without major changes to their existing payment equipment.
The reported iOS 27 references are not, however, confirmation that Apple Pay will launch in Pakistan. No official launch date has been announced, leaving users to speculate about whether the integration will eventually become available.
Back in June this year, reports emerged that Pakistan is set to introduce its first locally developed credit card under the PayPak payment scheme, marking a new chapter in Pakistan’s payment.
The initiative will be launched by 1Link, which provides online banking services to banks and financial institutions, in collaboration with the State Bank of Pakistan and member banks.
The credit card will be accepted across Pakistan and will also allow users to make international payments, while the entire operational management of the system will remain within the country.
The model is also expected to enable smaller banks to offer credit card services without requiring major upfront investment in costly infrastructure, allowing them to scale according to customer demand.
Earlier, the company has launched its debit cards. These include cards offering family benefits, weekly online shopping discounts, and cards that can be used both within Pakistan and internationally.
