Islamabad has officially begun its transition toward a cashless economy by introducing QR code-based payment systems across all major markets in the capital. The initiative, launched under the supervision of the Capital Development Authority (CDA), aims to make Islamabad the first fully digital payment-enabled city in Pakistan. The project’s full implementation is expected by the end of this year, marking a major milestone in the country’s journey toward digital transformation.
CDA Chairman Muhammad Ali Randhawa confirmed that QR codes have already been activated in all major “Sasta Bazaars” (subsidised markets), allowing residents to make payments quickly through secure online systems. The rollout will soon expand to large supermarkets, shopping malls, and local stores. Randhawa stated that the project will ensure convenience, transparency, and efficiency in day-to-day financial transactions, eliminating the need for physical cash in most purchases.
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As part of the broader plan, the digital payment feature will also be extended to transportation services. This includes taxis, Bykea riders, and goods transporters, all of whom will soon be able to accept fares through QR code payments. The CDA chairman highlighted that by the end of the year, every shop, service provider, and transport operator in Islamabad will have digital payment functionality available for customers.
To ensure secure and seamless transactions, the system has been integrated with the State Bank of Pakistan’s Raast ID platform. This connection allows instant, reliable, and transparent payments between customers and merchants. Randhawa said that this initiative will not only promote ease of doing business but will also strengthen the government’s efforts to document and formalize the local economy.
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Furthermore, all major banks and telecom operators are actively collaborating with the CDA to support the citywide rollout. The partnership ensures that users from different networks and banking systems can make digital payments without any difficulty. The CDA chairman expressed optimism that Islamabad’s successful digitalization model could soon be replicated in other major cities of Pakistan, accelerating the country’s shift toward a fully cashless economy.
With Islamabad taking the lead, Pakistan moves one step closer to embracing a modern, transparent, and technology-driven financial ecosystem. The new digital payment system promises to simplify everyday transactions for citizens while laying the foundation for a smarter and more efficient urban economy.