CDA decides to make QR code-based digital payments mandatory

ISLAMABAD: In a major step towards advancing Prime Minister’s vision of a cashless economy, the Capital Development Authority (CDA) has decided to make QR code–based digital payments mandatory across Islamabad.

The decision was taken at a high-level meeting chaired by CDA Member Administration & Estate, Talat Mahmood, at CDA Headquarters. The session was attended by Member Finance Tahir Naeem, senior officials of the State Bank of Pakistan, CDA, ICT Administration, as well as representatives of private and commercial banks.

Under the plan, all businesses operating in Islamabad, from retailers, wholesalers, fruit and vegetable markets, restaurants, shopping malls, pharmacies, hospitals, labs, and government/private offices to even taxis - will be required to display QR codes for digital payments. CDA will soon issue a formal notification making it compulsory for every merchant and service provider to adopt the system.

A city-wide awareness campaign will also be launched to encourage residents to use cashless payment methods. To facilitate merchants, banks will directly issue “Raast” QR codes, while CDA itself will fully switch to digital transactions for all its payments.

To oversee implementation, a steering committee comprising officials from CDA, ICT, the State Bank, and commercial banks will be formed. The committee will review progress, remove bottlenecks, and ensure a uniform policy.

Speaking at the meeting, Talat Mahmood stressed that close coordination with banks, institutions, and the business community will be ensured to position Islamabad as Pakistan’s first fully cashless and digitalized city. He added that CDA has already eliminated cash transactions in its offices and introduced a paperless system.

Copyright Business Recorder, 2025