Visa, a global leader in digital payments, has announced a strategic partnership with Euronet Pakistan, the country’s largest acquirer processor, to enable Visa SMS (Settlement Messaging Service) — a global initiative designed to modernize the clearing and settlement process across the POS acquiring ecosystem. Visa SMS introduces real-time clearing messaging between POS Acquirers/Acquirer Processors and the Visa network, replacing the legacy batch-based, offline clearing model. With Visa SMS, a clearing message is triggered instantly upon authorization approval, providing immediate clearing advice and enabling faster, more transparent settlement cycles. This next-generation capability empowers participating POS Acquirers to offer real-time clearing services, enhance operational efficiency, and gain a competitive edge in an evolving digital payments landscape. As part of this initiative, and in its role as Visa’s strategic enablement partner, Euronet Pakistan will lead market adoption by working closely with local POS Acquirers to drive integration, ensure technical readiness, and support the seamless, nationwide rollout of real-time clearing solutions. “Euronet is committed to serving as Visa’s strategic enablement partner for this important initiative,” said Kashif Gaya, CEO, Euronet Pakistan. “As Pakistan’s largest acquiring processor, our role as the key market enabler for real-time clearing underscores our dedication to empowering Acquirers, modernizing payment infrastructure, and driving the industry’s shift toward faster, smarter, and more transparent payment processing. This initiative will also accelerate merchant onboarding and expand acceptance, particularly among SMEs and underserved segments, fostering a more inclusive and future-ready payments ecosystem across the country. Mohamed Mousa, Vice President Euronet / Managing Director Middle East, Africa, and Pakistan, said: “We are dedicated to driving digital payment innovation across the Middle East, Africa, and Pakistan. Following the successful implementation in Pakistan, we plan to extend this initiative to other countries in the region. By enabling real-time clearing and settlement, we aim to provide businesses and financial institutions with faster, more transparent, and secure payment processes. This advancement will enhance operational efficiency, promote financial inclusion, and contribute to sustainable economic growth. “We’re proud to announce a strategic partnership with Euronet to modernize card payments in Pakistan. This upgrade streamlines acquiring flows with faster settlement, fewer exceptions, and simplified reconciliation—giving merchants quicker access to funds and reducing operational overhead. It strengthens cash flow for small and medium businesses and helps acquirers manage liquidity more efficiently. With scalable infrastructure and comprehensive reporting, every partner in the ecosystem can adopt with confidence and make digital payments more attractive to Pakistan’s cash‑heavy retail base.” said Umar Khan, Visa’s Country Manager for Pakistan and Afghanistan. This collaboration underscores the shared vision of Visa and Euronet to drive innovation, improve payment system efficiency, and strengthen Pakistan’s acquiring ecosystem, laying the foundation for a future-ready, real-time digital economy.