Islamabad has taken a significant leap toward becoming a cashless city as more than 5,000 shopkeepers across the capital have joined the digital payments initiative launched by the Capital Development Authority (CDA). The move is designed to make business transactions safer, faster, and more transparent for both merchants and consumers.

CDA officials revealed that digital QR-based payment systems are now operational in weekly bazaars located in sectors H-9 and G-6. The campaign is being expanded to include shopping malls, local markets, rural areas, and small-scale vendors. The goal is to ensure that all commercial transactions in Islamabad can be processed digitally, creating an integrated and efficient marketplace.

The CDA’s initiative goes beyond shops and markets. Digital payment systems have also been introduced at the One Window Facilitation Center, metro bus services, and electric feeder buses to create a fully digital ecosystem. To speed up the city’s digital transformation, CDA has waived Right of Way (ROW) charges for fiber optic installations, enabling telecom and financial service providers to strengthen internet connectivity across the capital.

CDA Chairman and Chief Commissioner Islamabad Muhammad Ali Randhawa emphasized that merchant participation and consumer awareness are key to the program’s success. He urged banks and telecom companies to collaborate closely with local administrations, offering support and incentives to help more shopkeepers transition to digital systems.

A central dashboard has been established to monitor the progress of the project. This dashboard collects real-time data from banks, tracking merchant registrations, payment transactions, and adoption trends across different sectors. The system will help authorities make quick decisions and improve implementation efficiency.

The cashless drive is part of Pakistan’s broader vision to encourage financial inclusion and reduce the dependence on cash-based transactions. Islamabad’s model could serve as an example for other cities aiming to modernize their financial ecosystems.

The benefits of this shift are far-reaching. Digital payments reduce the risks of handling cash, enhance transaction speed, improve record-keeping, and make business operations more transparent. However, challenges such as merchant training, technical readiness, and customer trust must still be addressed. Many shopkeepers need assistance in understanding digital systems and ensuring that transactions remain secure.

CDA plans to continue its outreach programs, helping traders understand digital tools, organizing training sessions, and encouraging more citizens to embrace electronic payments. Public awareness campaigns are also being planned to educate consumers on the safety and convenience of QR-based payments.

Islamabad’s transition to a cashless economy is more than a technological upgrade. It represents a major shift toward modernization, economic transparency, and inclusion. With strong coordination among government departments, banks, and merchants, the capital city is positioning itself as a national leader in digital transformation.