Islamabad is all set to become Pakistan’s first cashless city, as the Capital Development Authority (CDA) has unveiled plans to launch a full-scale digital payment system. This initiative aims to make everyday transactions more efficient, secure, and transparent. Residents will soon be able to pay their utility bills, property taxes, parking charges, and even complete land transfers through digital platforms.
Instead of standing in long queues or dealing with paper receipts, citizens will be able to make payments using QR codes, mobile wallets, and dedicated digital banking apps. According to Dawn, this digital system will first roll out in high-traffic areas before expanding to the entire capital.
CDA Chairman Muhammad Ali Randhawa stated that the goal is to transform Islamabad into a smart city—one that prioritizes convenience, reduces human error, and ensures transparency in every financial transaction. He emphasized that digital payments would significantly help reduce corruption since every transaction will leave a digital trail.
This transformation is also aligned with Pakistan’s broader strategy to promote financial inclusion and digital banking. As highlighted by the State Bank of Pakistan, increasing the use of digital financial services is key to boosting the economy and providing more accessible services to citizens across the country.
The new system is being implemented in collaboration with leading commercial banks, which will provide the technical backbone for digital payments. According to Wikipedia, digital payment systems can significantly enhance service delivery, reduce transaction times, and improve data security.
Islamabad’s move follows global trends in digital governance. Cities like Seoul, Singapore, and Stockholm have already adopted cashless models, leading to reduced operational costs and better public service delivery. Inspired by these models, the CDA hopes to create a streamlined digital environment where residents can perform all transactions through their phones or computers.
According to a recent CNN Business report, cashless societies are becoming more common worldwide due to the increased reliability and speed of digital payment options. Pakistan’s push in this direction signals a strong commitment to modernizing its urban centers.
Citizens in Islamabad have responded positively to the announcement. Many believe the system will make life easier by eliminating long waits and manual paperwork. For instance, homeowners will no longer need to visit CDA offices to clear taxes or transfer properties—they’ll be able to handle it all online.
As the initiative rolls out, experts urge the CDA to focus on user education and cybersecurity to ensure a smooth transition. If successful, Islamabad’s cashless model could become a blueprint for other cities in Pakistan.
