The federal government has decided to transform the capital, Islamabad, into the country’s first cashless city by December 31. To this end, the acceptance of cash payments in government offices will be discontinued by the end of this month, while a target has been set to integrate all traders into a digital payment system by the end of the year.
These targets were announced by the Minister of State for Interior, Talal Chaudhry, while presiding over a meeting convened to review the progress made regarding the ‘Cashless Islamabad’ initiative.
Talal Chaudhry stated that, effective from November 30, cash payments will no longer be accepted by the Islamabad administration or any department under the Capital Development Authority (CDA).
According to him, the government’s objective is to integrate all traders—including street vendors and small business owners—into the digital payment system by December 31.
The Minister of State stated that approximately 26,000 traders in the federal capital have already been connected to the digital payment facility. He noted that measures are being taken to ensure that cashless transaction facilities are available at every level, ranging from roadside vendors to large commercial centers.
He emphasized that consultation with all relevant stakeholders and the incorporation of their suggestions are essential for the successful implementation of this initiative.
Talal Chaudhry remarked that the transition toward digital payments would help enhance financial transparency and strengthen the tax monitoring system. The Minister of State added that representatives from the banking sector have assured the government of their full cooperation.
This development comes at a time when the federal government is intensifying efforts to promote a cashless economy across the country.
Previously, last week, while chairing a meeting on the promotion of a cashless economy, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif directed the relevant authorities to present a clear roadmap and set targets—with a defined timeline—for establishing a 100% digital payment system in the country.
Shahbaz Sharif stated that the issues faced by users within the digital payment system must be resolved immediately. He further emphasized that, to promote a cashless economy, the provision of internet access and easy public access to technology must be ensured across the country.
Directing the continuation of the scheme that facilitates digital payments between consumers and merchants via ‘Raast’ QR codes, the Prime Minister noted that this payment system is proving instrumental in realizing the government’s vision of a cashless economy.
Also Read: Hepatitis C screening underway in Islamabad; tests of 150,000 citizens completed
