In a bold and transformative move toward digital governance, Islamabad is set to become Pakistan’s first fully cashless city, marking a significant step forward in the country’s journey toward technological advancement and financial transparency. The initiative is being spearheaded by the Capital Development Authority (CDA) under the leadership of Chairman Muhammad Ali Randhawa, and aims to eliminate the use of physical cash in all civic transactions within the capital.
This comprehensive digitization plan is not merely a technological upgrade, but part of a broader national vision to build a more accountable, efficient, and modern public administration system. As part of this transition, residents of Islamabad will soon be required to make all payments to the CDA—such as property taxes, water bills, land transfers, and parking fees—through digital platforms only.
Officials involved in the project have stated that the transition has already begun in several areas of civic management. Over 165 public services have been digitized at the One-Window Facilitation Center, where citizens can pay for services like water tankers, building permits, and municipal penalties using QR codes or mobile applications. The digital tools are being developed in partnership with major banks and fintech companies to ensure they are secure, user-friendly, and accessible to the public.
One of the major innovations being introduced under this plan is a digital parking system. High-traffic areas across the city will soon feature smart parking meters, where drivers can pay through QR scanning or a dedicated app. Charges will be adjusted based on time and location, with the goal of reducing traffic congestion and enhancing urban planning. In addition, an M-Tag system will be made mandatory for all vehicles entering the capital, allowing for automatic toll collection and reducing manual checkpoints.
This move toward a cashless Islamabad is closely aligned with the federal government’s broader strategy to promote a cashless economy nationwide. Earlier this year, the Prime Minister established multiple committees tasked with accelerating digital payment solutions, expanding the use of the Raast payment gateway, and raising awareness about digital finance across the country. Islamabad, along with Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) and Gilgit-Baltistan, has been selected as a pilot region for this nationwide rollout.
One of the key features of the initiative will be the launch of the City Islamabad mobile application, scheduled for release by the end of July 2025. This app will serve as a centralized platform for accessing city services, applying for permits, making payments, and tracking requests. It will also integrate features like e-stamping, digital documentation, and notification alerts for civic updates, making it easier for citizens to interact with government departments without having to visit offices in person.
To support the shift, the CDA is also working on expanding free public Wi-Fi zones throughout the city, allowing people to access digital services even if they don’t have reliable internet at home. These hotspots will be set up in public spaces like markets, parks, government buildings, and transportation hubs to promote inclusivity and bridge the digital divide.
