ISLAMABAD: Chairman Capital Development Authority and Chief Commissioner Islamabad Muhammad Ali Randhawa chaired a high level meeting at the CDA Headquarters on Wednesday to advance the citywide shift toward a complete cashless economy. The meeting was attended by Member Administration Talat Mahmood Member Finance Tahir Naeem senior officers of the authority and representatives of major commercial and central banks.

Chairman Muhammad Ali Randhawa said that Islamabad is being developed as a model cashless city in line with the vision of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi. He emphasized that the Federal Capital is rapidly embracing digital payments as part of a broader national push toward transparency convenience and financial innovation.

According to official details a cashless system is already functional in Islamabad’s weekly bazaars the CDA One Window Facilitation Center and the metro and electric bus services. The city is now expanding QR based payment solutions across all key commercial areas including markaz shopping malls and Class Three markets to maximize adoption.

The authority is also extending cashless services to hotels guest houses petrol pumps and restaurants across the Federal Capital. Chairman Randhawa directed commercial banks to take the lead in educating both merchants and the public about the convenience and security of cash free transactions.

He stressed that banks must introduce broad incentives and promotional offers for traders shopkeepers and consumers to encourage widespread use of Raast QR payments. He highlighted that such benefits will significantly boost digital transaction volumes across all sectors.

Chairman Randhawa added that initiatives such as M Tag digital parking and automated municipal services are being rolled out to support Islamabad’s transformation into a fully digital city. He said these measures will play a critical role in making Islamabad a truly smart connected and cashless capital.