The Capital Development Authority (CDA) has successfully registered over 5,000 shopkeepers and merchants in Islamabad for digital payments as part of its initiative to transform the city into a cashless hub.
During a meeting at the CDA Headquarters, chaired by CDA Chairman and Chief Commissioner Islamabad Muhammad Ali Randhawa, officials informed that QR code-based digital payments have already been implemented at weekly bazaars in Sectors H-9 and G-6. The registration of traders for digital payments is now expanding to shopping hubs, including Markazs, shopping malls, rural markets, and Class III markets.
Additionally, CDA’s One Window Facilitation Center, metro buses, and electric feeder buses are also adopting cashless transactions.
Randhawa emphasized that the success of the initiative depends on the widespread participation of shopkeepers. “CDA and the district administration are here to facilitate, but it is crucial that traders are onboard and customers are well-guided,” he said.
He also urged banks and telecom companies to offer incentives and support in the field to encourage more traders to join the system.
To accelerate the digitalization, the CDA has waived Right of Way (ROW) charges for laying fiber optic networks, ensuring faster digital connectivity. A central dashboard has been established to track real-time data from banks regarding the registration and adoption process.
Randhawa concluded that the goal is to make Islamabad a fully cashless and digitized city, ensuring fast, secure, and transparent transactions.
