Islamabad is preparing for a major shift in how residents and businesses handle money. The Capital Development Authority (CDA) has announced that all commercial transactions in the capital will soon require QR codes, marking a significant step toward making Islamabad Pakistan’s first fully cashless city.
A Push Toward Digital Transactions
The decision was finalized during a high-level meeting at CDA Headquarters, chaired by Talat Mehmood, Member Administration and Estate. Senior officials from the State Bank of Pakistan, Islamabad Capital Territory (ICT) Administration, CDA, and representatives from private banks also participated.
The initiative is closely aligned with the federal government’s broader push to digitize Pakistan’s economy. Authorities see Islamabad as a model city for this transformation, aiming to set a precedent for other metropolitan areas.
Mandatory QR Codes Across All Sectors
The CDA confirmed that QR codes will become compulsory for every type of business, from large shopping malls and supermarkets to restaurants, clinics, pharmacies, and even taxi services. A formal notification will be issued in the coming weeks, mandating that all businesses prominently display QR codes for customer payments.
To encourage adoption, the authority plans to launch a public awareness campaign, educating citizens and merchants on how to use digital payment platforms.
Integration With Raast for Seamless Payments
Officials also agreed to integrate the system with Pakistan’s “Raast” payment platform, which will provide merchants with a streamlined way to generate and manage QR codes. Additionally, all CDA-related payments, such as taxes and service fees, will shift to a fully digital format.
A steering committee comprising representatives from the CDA, ICT, State Bank, and commercial banks will oversee implementation to ensure consistency and compliance.
Transparency and Efficiency
Speaking on the initiative, Talat Mehmood emphasized that the transition to digital payments is about more than convenience.
“Going cashless will bring transparency and speed to transactions, while also reducing the risks associated with handling cash,” he said, adding that CDA has already digitized several internal processes and intends to eliminate cash dealings entirely.
If fully realized, Islamabad’s cashless plan would represent a major leap in Pakistan’s efforts to modernize its financial system and expand digital inclusion.
