Chairman CDA Inaugurates Country’s First 100% Cashless Weekly Bazaar in Islamabad

Date: Nov 15, 2025

ISLAMABAD: November 14, 2025: Another major milestone has been achieved in the ongoing efforts to transform the Federal Capital into a fully cashless and digital city. Chairman Capital Development Authority (CDA) and Chief Commissioner Islamabad, Muhammad Ali Randhawa, inaugurated Pakistan’s first designated cashless weekly bazaar in Sector H-9 on Friday. The ceremony was attended by Member Finance Tahir Naeem, Chief Officer MCI Dr. Anam Fatima, CEO Zindigi Noman Azhar, senior officers of the State Bank of Pakistan, CDA, district administration, and a large number of customers and merchants. It is noteworthy that a complete cashless system has now been formally implemented at the H-9 weekly bazaar. Chairman CDA reviewed the digital payment infrastructure on-ground and, accompanied by Member Finance and Chief Officer MCI, made several payments using the new cashless method at different stalls. During the briefing, Chairman CDA was informed that special discounts are being offered to citizens for digital payments. He was further apprised that the cashless system is being expanded to all commercial hubs across Islamabad — including shopping centers, hospitals, hotels, restaurants, and Islamabad International Airport. Chairman CDA appreciated the efforts of the MCI, Islamabad administration, Zindigi, and representatives of central and commercial banks. He said this initiative aligns with the vision of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Federal Minister for Interior Mohsin Naqvi, aimed at facilitating citizens and modernizing service delivery. Chairman Randhawa stated that the goal is to make Islamabad Pakistan’s first cashless and fully digital city. He emphasized that the cashless system will not only promote e-governance but will also provide citizens with easy, secure, fast, and highly transparent payment facilities. He added that this system will simplify transactions for both consumers and merchants, while promoting a cashless economy in the capital. He stressed that banks must offer maximum support and incentives to ensure the system’s widespread adoption. Chairman CDA directed the bazaar management to ensure that stallholder licenses and price lists are prominently displayed on digital boards. He also instructed them to run an extensive public awareness campaign to educate citizens on the benefits of cashless payments. He personally interacted with citizens and customers at the bazaar, highlighting the advantages of digital transactions. He emphasized that the primary objective is to safeguard all financial transactions, strengthen transparency, and protect citizens from fraud. Chairman Randhawa noted that the successful implementation of the cashless system at the H-9 bazaar was made possible by the collective efforts of all stakeholders. He added that such steps are essential for transforming Islamabad into an internationally competitive and technologically advanced city. Concluding the ceremony, Chairman CDA said: “Let us all join hands to bring this historic initiative to its full implementation across Islamabad and make our capital a fully cashless and digital city.”