Islamabad’s transition to a smart, fully digital capital has advanced further as the Capital Development Authority (CDA) activated QR code–based payments across Sasta Bazaars, metro services and urban transport under its expanding cashless economy project.CDA Chairman Muhammad Ali Randhawa said the authority’s One-Window Centre has also been integrated into the system, forming part of a wider plan to eliminate cash transactions across the city. 

Randhawa said the QR payment network is being extended to commercial centres, major shopping malls and Class-III markets, with hotels, guesthouses, petrol stations and restaurants also adopting the system.He urged commercial banks to intensify awareness campaigns to help merchants and citizens shift to digital payments, noting that Islamabad is being developed as a model cashless city in line with the prime minister’s and interior minister’s vision. The chairman called on traders and shopkeepers to offer greater incentives and discounts to motivate customers to use RAAST QR codes for everyday transactions.

Complementary initiatives, including M-Tag integration and digital parking systems, are also being introduced as part of the digitalisation drive. These steps, he said, will pave the way for a fully cashless, technology-driven urban environment in the capital. Earlier, on 14 October 2025, rported that Islamabad had begun the citywide rollout of QR-based payments in major markets, with full implementation expected by the end of the year.

Randhawa had said that every shop in the capital would soon support QR payments, adding that taxi drivers, ride-hailing services such as Bykea and goods transporters would also accept fares through the system.He noted that the payment infrastructure has been linked to the State Bank of Pakistan’s Raast ID platform to ensure secure and rapid digital transactions.The project, he added, is being supported by major banks and telecom operators and is expected to significantly transform everyday commerce in the capital.

Credit: Independent News Pakistan (INP)