Chairman CDA Reviews Measures to Promote Cashless Economy in Islamabad

Date: Sep 11, 2025

ISLAMABAD: September 11, 2025 – An important meeting was held at the Capital Development Authority (CDA) Headquarters, chaired by Member Administration and Estate, Talat Mehmood, on the direction of Chairman CDA and Chief Commissioner Islamabad, Muhammad Ali Randhawa. The meeting focused on promoting a cashless economy in Islamabad in line with the vision of the Prime Minister of Pakistan. The meeting was attended by Member Finance, Tahir Naeem, representatives of central and commercial banks, and senior officers of CDA and the ICT Administration. During the briefing, Member Finance informed participants that robust measures are underway to implement a unified Raast QR code for all types of transactions across Islamabad. In the first phase, the QR-based payment system has been successfully introduced in weekly bazaars. In the second phase, its scope is being extended to shopping malls, commercial centers, and Class-III markets. The meeting was apprised that a central dashboard has been developed to monitor progress, with banks sharing their data for transparency and coordination. Emphasis was laid on the need for effective public awareness campaigns to encourage adoption of digital payments. Member Administration and Estate highlighted CDA’s role as a facilitator in ensuring harmony among banks, traders, and customers. He said a steering committee, comprising CDA, MCI, ICT, and banks, is monitoring initiatives to introduce the unified Raast QR code. These measures, he added, aim to transform Islamabad into a fully digitized, model city. He further stressed that strong coordination with financial institutions, banks, and the business community will accelerate the process. “These initiatives will promote transparent, easy, secure, and fast transactions, enabling citizens to benefit from a modern cashless payment system,” he stated.