Islamabad to Go Cashless as CDA Mandates QR Code Payments

The Capital Development Authority (CDA) has announced that QR code-based transactions will be made compulsory across Islamabad as part of efforts to promote a cashless economy. The decision was finalized during a meeting at CDA Headquarters, chaired by Member Administration and Estate, Talat Mehmood.

The session was attended by CDA Member Finance Tahir Naeem, senior officials from the State Bank of Pakistan, ICT Administration, CDA, and representatives of commercial banks. The initiative aligns with the Prime Minister’s vision of transforming Islamabad into a fully digital city.

Under this plan, all sectors including retail and wholesale markets, shopping malls, restaurants, hospitals, pharmacies, laboratories, private and public offices, and even taxi services will be shifted to digital payments. “QR codes will be made mandatory for all categories of businesses, regardless of size,” officials confirmed, adding that a formal notification will be issued soon. Businesses will be required to display QR codes prominently, while a citywide awareness campaign will encourage citizens to adopt digital transactions.

The meeting also approved the creation of an integrated interface between banks and merchants through the “Raast” payment platform to facilitate smooth QR code issuance. Additionally, all CDA-related payments will transition to digital channels, eliminating cash handling within its system. A steering committee comprising representatives from CDA, ICT, the State Bank, and commercial banks will oversee the implementation.

According to Talat Mehmood, the move will “not only introduce transparency but also improve the speed and ease of financial transactions.” He added that CDA has already gone paperless in its offices and remains committed to making Islamabad Pakistan’s first fully cashless city.