Islamabad has taken a significant step toward becoming Pakistan’s first fully digital city with the inauguration of the country’s first cashless weekly bazaar in Sector H-9. The ceremony on Friday was attended by CDA Chairman Muhammad Ali Randhawa, officials from the State Bank of Pakistan, Zindigi, and the Islamabad district administration.
During his visit, Chairman Randhawa inspected the digital payment systems and made purchases using cashless methods, demonstrating the convenience of electronic transactions. Shoppers were briefed on benefits such as enhanced security, transparency, and efficiency, while special discounts were offered for payments made digitally.
The CDA has announced that the cashless system will gradually extend to all commercial centres, shopping areas, hospitals, restaurants, and Islamabad Airport, while traditional cash transactions will also remain available during the transition. The move aims to support e-governance, reduce fraud, and provide citizens and businesses with fast, secure, and transparent payment options.
Chairman Randhawa emphasised that banks must provide maximum facilitation for traders and consumers and highlighted a public awareness campaign to ensure smooth adoption of the system. This initiative aligns with the vision of the Prime Minister and Interior Minister to transform Islamabad into Pakistan’s first fully digital city.
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