The initial phase introduced digital payments at weekly bazaars, the second phase will cover all major shopping malls.
Islamabad has completed the first phase of its transition to become Pakistan’s first fully cashless and technology-based model city, following the directives of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif. The initial phase successfully introduced digital payments in weekly bazaars, CDA Single Window Facilitation Center and in metro and electric bus services.
The second phase has already begun, the aim of which is to extend the Raast QR code payment system to the entire capital. The expanded rollout will cover major shopping malls, 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 the progress and directed officials to accelerate implementation across the city. The meeting was attended by senior members of administration and finance of the CDA, along with representatives of major commercial banks.
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Officials reported that QR-enabled payment systems are already being rapidly rolled out in markets, malls and local malls at the markaz level as part of a broader effort to reduce reliance on cash.
The President noted that Islamabad’s broader digital transformation includes the deployment of M-Tag integration and digital parking solutions, which will contribute to a seamless, secure and fully digitalized urban infrastructure.
Additionally, it directed commercial banks to provide comprehensive awareness and guidance to merchants and the general public to advance the transition to a cashless economy, while calling on merchants and merchants to encourage the public transition by offering discounts and incentives to customers for QR-based payments.
These initiatives, he said, would accelerate Islamabad’s evolution towards a cashless, transparent and digitally inclusive city, setting a national benchmark for modern urban governance.
