ISLAMABAD: On the instructions of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, Islamabad has launched a cashless payment system, starting with weekly bazaars through QR code transactions.
In the second phase, the system will be extended to shopping malls, commercial centres, and Class-III markets across the federal capital.
The plan was shared by CDA Member Finance Tahir Naeem during a meeting chaired by the Member Administration and Estate. Senior officials of the Capital Development Authority (CDA), Islamabad Capital Territory (ICT) administration, and representatives of major banks attended the session.
The meeting reviewed steps to promote a cashless economy in Islamabad as part of the Prime Minister’s vision. It focused on preparing a clear roadmap for the smooth introduction of digital payments across the city.
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Tahir Naeem informed the participants that a dashboard had been developed to monitor the project, and banks are already sharing their data through this system. He said an awareness campaign would be launched to encourage people to adopt digital transactions.
The Member Administration and Estate said the CDA will act as a facilitator, ensuring coordination between banks, traders, and consumers. He added that a steering committee, including CDA, MCI, ICT, and banks, was overseeing the rollout of the Raast QR code system.
He stressed that the aim is to make Islamabad a model digital city in Pakistan.
Tahir Naeem further said the QR code system will be quickly expanded citywide to fully implement the cashless economy initiative.
CDA Launches Mobile App to Improve Public Transport:
In an other development, the Capital Development Authority (CDA) has also launched its official “CDA Mobile App” to provide citizens with detailed information about metro and electric feeder bus routes and stops, integrated with Google Maps.
A CDA spokesman said on Saturday that the initiative aims to improve urban mobility and make public transport in Islamabad more accessible, convenient, and environmentally friendly.
The announcement was made during a high-level meeting chaired by CDA Chairman and Chief Commissioner Islamabad Muhammad Ali Randhawa.
The app—available on both Google Play Store and Apple App Store—offers trip planning, estimated travel times, route maps, bus stop details, and tourism guidance to help visitors explore Islamabad. It will also issue public announcements, such as route changes or updates.
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Chairman Randhawa said the goal is to give citizens complete information about electric buses so they can plan their journeys easily without facing problems. CDA officials have been directed to launch a strong awareness campaign to promote the service.
Future updates of the app will include real-time bus tracking on Google Maps and a digital fare payment system supporting QR codes, debit and credit cards, and mobile wallets like Easypaisa and JazzCash.
A new Zero Point Depot, currently under construction, will soon be activated to expand electric bus operations across the capital.
The CDA said the integration of routes with Google Maps will help passengers track buses easily through color-coded routes and user-friendly stop details.
The electric bus project is also aimed at reducing environmental pollution by cutting the use of petrol and diesel vehicles.
“This initiative will not only provide safe and comfortable travel facilities but also protect the environment,” the spokesman added.
Commuters can also access route maps and schedules on the CDA’s official website: www.cda.gov.pk/public/cdaTransitMap.
