ISLAMABAD: In a major step toward making the federal capital a fully digital city, the Capital Development Authority (CDA) has formally implemented a cashless transaction system at its One-Window Facilitation Center, marking Islamabad’s transition toward becoming Pakistan’s first cashless model city.
The initiative was inaugurated by Chairman CDA and Chief Commissioner Islamabad Muhammad Ali Randhawa, in the presence of citizens, CDA officials, representatives from commercial banks, financial institutions, and Fintech partners.
Speaking at the ceremony, Randhawa said the project aligns with the vision of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Federal Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi to modernize urban governance and improve citizen facilitation.
He emphasized that the move aims to promote transparency, convenience, and efficiency in public dealings, enabling citizens to make digital payments via QR codes, EasyPaisa, JazzCash, and other financial platforms.
During the launch, the Chairman personally conducted a digital transaction to test the system’s functionality and termed it “a milestone in public service delivery.” He added that this initiative will pave the way for E-Governance and reduce fraud and manipulation in financial transactions.
Randhawa announced that the cashless system is already operational in weekly bazaars across Islamabad and will soon be expanded to commercial centers, markets, and shopping plazas in a phased manner.
He further revealed plans for an upcoming “Assan Khidmat Markaz”, to be established in collaboration with the Ministry of Information Technology, where all citizen services will be provided under one roof in a corporate and professional environment.
“Our goal is simple — no citizen in Islamabad should need to carry cash. Every transaction, from shopping to official payments, should be secure, digital, and transparent,” Randhawa stated.
The CDA chief also noted that citizens will soon have the option to conduct transactions through multiple banks and digital channels, with the introduction of E-Challan services to enhance flexibility and accessibility.
