Islamabad: The Capital Development Authority (CDA) has stepped up efforts to transform Islamabad into Pakistan’s first cashless city by expanding the State Bank of Pakistan’s (SBP) Raast QR code system across commercial areas and public facilities.
The decision was taken at a high-level meeting held Thursday at CDA Headquarters, chaired by Member Administration and Estate Talat Mehmood on the directions of CDA Chairman and Chief Commissioner Islamabad Muhammad Ali Randhawa. Representatives from commercial banks, the SBP, and the Islamabad Capital Territory (ICT) administration also attended.
Officials informed the meeting that the unified Raast QR code, already in use at weekly bazaars, will soon be deployed at Class III markets, shopping centres, and major commercial hubs. “Robust measures are being taken to ensure that a single Raast QR code is displayed for all types of transactions across Islamabad,” said CDA Member Finance Tahir Naeem.
To track progress, a digital dashboard has been developed to consolidate real-time data from banks. The meeting also highlighted the importance of public awareness campaigns to encourage both citizens and traders to adopt Raast for transparent and secure digital payments.
CDA officials emphasised that Raast would serve as the backbone of Islamabad’s transition to a cashless economy, ensuring faster, safer, and more efficient transactions. Member Administration and Estate Talat Mehmood said CDA was acting as a facilitator through a steering committee comprising CDA, MCI, ICT, and commercial banks.
“Our ultimate aim is to position Islamabad as a model digitised city powered by Raast,” he added.
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