Goodbye, Cash! Islamabad Mandates QR Codes for All Payments

The Capital Development Authority (CDA) is launching a new initiative to turn Islamabad into a cashless city by making QR code payments a requirement everywhere. This big step was finalized in a meeting at the CDA Headquarters, with key officials from the CDA and State Bank of Pakistan in attendance, along with representatives from various banks.

The goal is to get everyone to use digital payments, from small shops and taxis to large shopping malls, hospitals, and even government offices. The main focus is on making QR codes the standard way to pay without cash. A formal announcement is expected soon, which will require all businesses—no matter how big or small—to prominently display QR codes for their customers to use. To help people get on board, the CDA will also be running a major public education campaign.

The plan also involves creating a direct link between banks and businesses to make it simple for merchants to get their QR codes, likely using the “Raast” payment platform. On top of that, the CDA is moving all its own payments online, aiming to stop using cash within the authority itself. A dedicated committee with members from the CDA, State Bank, and commercial banks will oversee the process to make sure everything goes smoothly.

According to Talat Mehmood, the CDA’s Member for Administration and Estate, this shift will make financial transactions faster and more transparent. He mentioned that the CDA has already eliminated paper from its own offices and is committed to making Islamabad the first fully digital city in Pakistan