Islamabad has taken a big step toward becoming Pakistan’s first true digital city. The Capital Development Authority (CDA) has formally introduced a digital mode of payment at the famous H-9 weekly bazaar, allowing shoppers to pay through cashless methods at every stall.
While the traditional cash system will continue alongside, the new setup gives residents the choice to pay via debit/credit cards, QR codes, mobile wallets, and digital banking apps, making everyday shopping faster, safer, and more convenient.
Pakistan’s First Designated Cashless Weekly Bazaar
According to a CDA press release, Chairman CDA and Chief Commissioner Islamabad Mohammad Ali Randhawa inaugurated what has been declared “Pakistan’s first designated cashless weekly bazaar” in Sector H-9.
The ceremony was attended by:
• Member Finance Tahir Naeem
• Chief Officer MCI Dr. Anam Fatima
• Zindigi CEO Noman Azhar
• Senior officials from the State Bank of Pakistan, CDA, district administration
• A large number of shopkeepers and customers
Read more: Islamabad launches cashless system as part of drive to become Pakistan’s first digital city
To set an example, the CDA chairman himself made various purchases in the bazaar using digital payment methods, practically demonstrating how easy and user-friendly the system is.
Special Discounts for Digital Payments
Officials briefed the chairman that special discounts and offers are being provided to customers who choose to pay via digital channels instead of cash. This is meant to encourage both buyers and stall owners to gradually shift toward cashless transactions.
The initiative is not just limited to one market. The CDA was informed that the cashless system will soon be introduced across:
• Major commercial centres and shopping plazas
• Hospitals and clinics
• Hotels and restaurants
• And even at Islamabad International Airport
This means that in the near future, residents and visitors could enjoy a fully integrated digital payment ecosystem across the federal capital.
Islamabad’s Journey Toward a Cashless, Digital City
CDA Chairman Mohammad Ali Randhawa praised the efforts of:
• Metropolitan Corporation Islamabad (MCI)
• Islamabad district administration
• Zindigi and partner banks
• Central and commercial bank representatives
He said the initiative is fully aligned with the Prime Minister’s and Interior Minister’s vision of transforming Islamabad into Pakistan’s first cashless and digital city.
According to him, this transformation is not just about using technology for the sake of it—it is about building a system that is:
• Easy for the public to use
• Secure and less prone to theft or loss
• Fast, saving time for both customers and merchants
• Transparent, helping reduce cash handling issues and enhancing financial documentation
He also highlighted that e-governance and digital payments go hand in hand. By shifting to digital systems, it becomes easier to manage records, monitor transactions, and ensure better service delivery to citizens.
Role of Banks and Fintech Companies
The CDA chairman stressed that for this digital payment revolution to succeed, banks and fintech companies must step up by:
• Offering user-friendly apps and POS machines
• Providing low-cost or free onboarding for small vendors
• Giving concessions, rewards, and cashback to customers
• Simplifying the process for traders who are new to digital finance
He pointed out that many stall owners and small traders are not used to digital payments, so training, guidance, and support are crucial.
Read more: Islamabad is going cashless: This is what it means for you
A New Shopping Experience for Islamabad Residents
For regular visitors of the H-9 Sunday bazaar, this change means:
• No more worrying about carrying large amounts of cash
• Quicker checkout times at busy stalls
• Better record-keeping of daily expenses
• Access to discounts and deals on digital transactions
For stall owners, digital payments can assist in building transaction history, which can later assist them in:
• Accessing small business loans
• Expanding their operations
• Joining the formal economy with greater benefits
With the H-9 cashless weekly bazaar, Islamabad has set a strong example for other cities. If implemented effectively and embraced by the public, this initiative could pave the way for modern, transparent, and technology-driven marketplaces across Pakistan—one digital payment at a time.
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