Islamabad: The Capital Development Authority (CDA) has decided to introduce a compulsory QR code system across Islamabad as part of its efforts to promote a cashless economy and support the Prime Minister’s vision of transforming the capital into a model digital city.
The decision was taken during 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 from the State Bank of Pakistan, ICT Administration, CDA, and representatives of private and commercial banks.
Under the plan, all forms of transactions in Islamabad — including retail and wholesale businesses, shopping malls, restaurants, hospitals, pharmacies, laboratories, public and private offices, and taxi services — will be shifted towards digital payments, with QR codes being made the primary mode of transaction.
CDA officials confirmed that a formal notification will soon be issued, making QR codes mandatory for all categories of businesses, regardless of size. Commercial centers, markets, and transaction hubs will be required to prominently display QR codes for customers, while a citywide awareness campaign will encourage citizens to adopt digital payment systems.
To ensure smooth implementation, the meeting resolved to establish an integrated interface between the banking sector and merchants through the “Raast” payment platform for QR code issuance. Furthermore, CDA-related payments will also be digitized, with the authority eliminating cash dealings within its own system. A steering committee comprising CDA, ICT, the State Bank, and commercial bank representatives will monitor the transition and ensure policy uniformity.
Speaking on the initiative, CDA Member Administration and Estate Talat Mehmood said the move would bring greater transparency while making financial transactions faster and more convenient. He added that CDA had already adopted paperless systems within its offices and remains committed to making Islamabad the country’s first fully cashless and digitalized city.
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