Islamabad is preparing to take a bold leap into the digital future as the Capital Development Authority (CDA) has announced that QR code payments will soon be made compulsory across the city.
The decision, aimed at promoting a cashless economy, was taken at a high-level meeting chaired by CDA Member Administration and Estate, Talat Mehmood, at CDA Headquarters.
The session was attended by CDA Member Finance Tahir Naeem, senior officials from the State Bank of Pakistan, representatives of the Islamabad Capital Territory (ICT) Administration, as well as private and commercial banks. Officials said the initiative aligns with the Prime Minister’s vision of transforming Islamabad into Pakistan’s first model digital city.
From Markets to Taxis—QR Codes Everywhere
Under the plan, all forms of financial transactions in Islamabad—from retail and wholesale shops to restaurants, hospitals, pharmacies, laboratories, shopping malls, public and private offices, and even taxi services—will gradually move to digital platforms.
QR codes will be made mandatory for every business, regardless of its size, and all commercial centers will be required to display them prominently for customer use.
Read more: Islamabad is going cashless: This is what it means for you
A public awareness campaign will also be launched to encourage citizens to embrace the shift, highlighting the convenience and security of cashless payments.
A Step Toward Transparency and Efficiency
Officials kept on stressing that this transition is not only about modern convenience but also about increasing transparency and efficiency in financial dealings.
By digitizing transactions, the CDA hopes to minimize the risks of corruption, tax evasion and cash mishandling, while also making payments faster and easier for citizens.
The system will be integrated through Pakistan’s “Raast” payment platform, and this will help in ensuring smooth interaction between banks and merchants. The CDA has also pledged to eliminate cash dealings within its own offices, moving entirely to digital channels for fees, bills, and other payments.
Oversight and Next Steps
A steering committee comprising representatives of CDA, the State Bank, ICT Administration, and commercial banks will oversee the rollout and ensure uniform policy implementation.
Talat Mehmood said CDA’s paperless office reforms have already improved internal efficiency, and making Islamabad fully cashless is the next milestone. “Our aim is to make Islamabad the first city in Pakistan where every transaction—from a cup of tea to a car purchase—can be done digitally,” he remarked.
For many residents, the move is clearly manifesting a future where Islamabad leads the way in digital innovation, setting a precedent for the rest of the country.