ISLAMABAD STAFF REPORTER
An important meeting was held at the Capital Development Authority (CDA) Headquarters in Islamabad, chaired by CDA Member Admin and Estate, Talat Mehmood. The meeting was convened on the direction of Chairman CDA and Chief Commissioner Islamabad, Muhammad Ali Randhawa, to promote a cashless economy in the city of Islamabad. The meeting was attended by CDA Member Finance, Tahir Naeem, representatives from central and commercial banks, along with senior officers from the CDA and the ICT.
In line with the vision of the Prime Minister of Pakistan, the meeting reviewed measures being taken to promote a cashless economy in Islamabad. The purpose of the meeting was to develop a comprehensive roadmap for the more effective implementation of the digital payment system in the city.
During the briefing, the Member Finance informed the meeting that robust measures are being taken to display a unified Raast QR code for all types of transactions in Islamabad. He said that in the initial phase, the QR code-based payment system has been successfully introduced in the city’s weekly bazaars, while in the second phase, its scope is being expanded to all centers, shopping malls, and Class III markets across the city.
The meeting was briefed that a dashboard has been prepared to review the progress on the cashless system, where various banks are sharing their data. The meeting emphasized the need for an effective strategy to raise public awareness and promote digital payments.
Member Admin and Estate said that the CDA’s role is that of a facilitator, creating harmony between banks, the trader community, and customers. He mentioned that a steering committee comprising CDA, MCI, ICT and banks is monitoring all initiatives for the introduction of the unified Raast QR code. He further said that the goal of these measures is to establish Islamabad as a digitized and model city across the country.
CDA Member Finance informed the meeting that the scope of the QR code system is being rapidly implemented across the city to fully operationalize the cashless economy.
Member Admin and Estate said that to further expedite this process, effective communication and coordination with all relevant stakeholders, including financial institutions, banks and the business community, will be ensured. He said that these measures will enable Islamabad to be introduced as a fully cashless and digitized city.
Member Admin and Estate Talat Mehmood said that these initiatives will promote transparent, easy, secure and fast transactions in Islamabad. He added that the public will get the opportunity to benefit from a state-of-the-art, secure digital and cashless payment system.
