In a major leap toward digital governance, Islamabad is set to become Pakistan’s first fully cashless city, according to a recent announcement by the Capital Development Authority (CDA). The initiative aims to revolutionize how citizens pay for daily civic services — from property taxes and utility bills to parking charges — through fully digital channels.
The decision was revealed during a high-level meeting chaired by CDA Chairman Muhammad Ali Randhawa. During the session, the authority outlined a strategic plan to introduce digital payments in Pakistan’s capital, starting with the most widely used public services.
“From now on, our goal is to eliminate cash transactions entirely in public dealings,” said Chairman Randhawa. “Whether you’re paying your water bill or handling a land transfer, all services will soon be available through a seamless digital interface. This is the future of Islamabad — smart, efficient, and transparent.”
Under this initiative, citizens will be able to make payments via QR codes, mobile apps, and online portals. The CDA is actively partnering with leading banks and fintech platforms to ensure a secure and user-friendly payment infrastructure.
The cashless city Islamabad project will initially focus on high-traffic areas and essential civic services. Once operational and tested for efficiency, the digital model will be expanded to cover the entire capital. This staged rollout is designed to minimize disruption while ensuring scalability and adaptability.
A senior CDA official emphasized the project’s practical benefits. “Imagine not having to wait in long queues or carry cash to pay for routine tasks. With just a few taps, you’ll be able to manage everything digitally — securely and instantly.”
Experts and financial analysts have praised the initiative, noting that it aligns well with the country’s broader goals of digital payments Pakistan adoption and financial inclusion. By reducing physical cash handling, the initiative is expected to curb corruption, improve service efficiency, and bring much-needed transparency to government transactions.
Islamabad’s shift toward cashless operations is part of a global trend where cities are adopting technology to better serve citizens. Cities like Stockholm, Singapore, and Dubai have already made significant progress in eliminating cash from public services — and now, cashless city Islamabad joins that growing list.
In addition to convenience, the move also supports environmental goals by reducing paper usage and fuel costs associated with in-person transactions. It is a future-focused step that not only modernizes government processes but also enhances citizen trust and accessibility.
The CDA plans to conduct awareness campaigns and training sessions to help residents and business owners adapt to the new payment systems. Guidance will be provided through digital kiosks, online tutorials, and support hotlines.
As the project gains momentum, Islamabad is poised to set an example for other cities across the country, showing that digital payments in Pakistan can go hand-in-hand with smart governance and citizen empowerment.
