Initial phase introduced digital payments at weekly bazaars, second phase will cover all major commercial centres
Islamabad has completed the first phase of its transition towards becoming Pakistan’s first fully cashless, technology-enabled model city, following directives from Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif. The initial phase successfully introduced digital payments at weekly bazaars, CDA One-Window Facilitation Centers and on metro and electric bus services.
The second phase has now begun with the aim of expanding the Raast QR code payment system to the entire capital. The extended rollout will cover all major commercial centres, malls, Class III markets, hotels, guest houses, petrol pumps, restaurants and other commercial establishments.
A high-level meeting chaired by CDA Chairman and Islamabad Chief Commissioner Muhammad Ali Randhawa reviewed progress and directed officials to speed up implementation in the city. Senior CDA administration and finance members along with representatives from major commercial banks attended the meeting.
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Officials briefed that QR-enabled payment systems are already being rapidly implemented in markets, malls and local commercial hubs at the Markaz level as part of a broader effort to reduce reliance on cash.
The Chairman noted that Islamabad’s wider digital transformation includes the rollout of M-Tag integration and digital parking solutions, which will contribute to a seamless, secure and fully digitized city infrastructure.
He further directed commercial banks to provide comprehensive awareness and guidance to merchants and the general public to promote the transition to a cashless economy, while urging merchants and shopkeepers to encourage the public transition by offering discounts and customer incentives for QR-based payments.
These initiatives, he said, would accelerate Islamabad’s development into a cashless, transparent and digitally inclusive city and set a national benchmark for modern urban governance.
