Taxis, Bykia, loaders to be attached to digital economy in capital city: CDA Chairman Randhawa says full implementation expected by end of year
- In a major step toward a cashless economy, Islamabad has officially begun the rollout of QR code-based digital payments across all major markets, with full implementation expected by the end of the year.
the initiative, led by the Capital Development Authority (CDA), aims to make Islamabad the first fully digital payment-enabled city in Pakistan.
CDA Chairman Muhammad Ali Randhawa announced that QR codes have already been activated in all major “Sasta Bazaars” (subsidised markets), allowing customers to make purchases through online payments instead of cash.
He confirmed that the system is being expanded to large shopping stores and malls, with full-scale deployment scheduled to reach every shop in the city by year-end.
According to CDA Chairman Randhawa, the move is part of a broader effort to streamline the payment system and promote transparency.
“By the end of the year, every shop in Islamabad will have QR code functionality,” he stated. “Even taxi drivers, ride-hailing services like Bykea, and goods transporters will be equipped to accept fares through QR codes.”
He added that the payment system has been linked to the State Bank of Pakistan’s Raast ID, an instant payment system, to make digital transactions secure, fast, and convenient for both customers and merchants.
The CDA chief emphasised that all major banks and telecom operators are collaborating on the project, which is set to transform how everyday transactions are conducted in the capital.
“Islamabad will soon have fully operational digital payments, with seamless support from the financial and telecom sectors,” he added.
