Islamabad is Going Digital as CDA Makes QR Codes Mandatory for All Payments

The Capital Development Authority (CDA) has decided to introduce a compulsory QR code system across Islamabad to promote a cashless economy. The decision was taken in a meeting chaired by CDA Member Administration and Estate, Talat Mehmood, at CDA Headquarters. The session was attended by CDA Member Finance Tahir Naeem, senior officials of the State Bank of Pakistan, ICT Administration, CDA, as well as representatives of private and commercial banks. The move is in line with the Prime Minister’s vision of transforming Islamabad into a model digital city. Officials discussed measures to ensure that all forms of transactions in Islamabad, from retail and wholesale businesses to shopping malls, restaurants, hospitals, pharmacies, laboratories, public and private offices, and even taxi services, will be shifted towards digital payments. Particular emphasis was placed on the use of QR codes as the primary method of cashless transactions. It was decided that QR codes will be made mandatory for all categories of businesses, regardless of size, with CDA soon to issue a formal notification. The directive will require all markets, commercial centers, and transaction hubs to prominently display QR codes for customer use. A large-scale public awareness campaign will also be launched to encourage citizens to adopt cashless payment systems. The meeting also resolved to establish an integrated interface between the banking sector and merchants to facilitate QR code issuance through the “Raast” payment platform. Furthermore, all CDA-related payments will be digitized, with the authority implementing measures to eliminate cash dealings within its own system. A steering committee comprising representatives of CDA, ICT, the State Bank, and commercial banks will monitor the progress and ensure uniform policy implementation. According to CDA Member Administration and Estate Talat Mehmood, the transition to digital payments will not only introduce transparency but also improve the speed and ease of financial transactions. He added that CDA has already introduced paperless systems within its offices and is committed to making Islamabad the first fully cashless and digitalized city in Pakistan.