CDA Announces Total Shops Now Accepting Digital Payments

The Capital Development Authority (CDA) has announced that all retail outlets operating under its trade license system must now accept digital payments to support a cashless economy.

A total of 38,819 retail shops across Islamabad are now officially enabled to process digital transactions, helping modernize the retail sector and reduce dependence on physical cash.

This step is part of the national “Cashless Pakistan Strategic Roadmap,” aimed at improving financial transparency and promoting convenient, secure, and efficient payment systems.

To ensure a smooth transition, businesses of all sizes, including small kiosks and major retail chains, have been provided with Raast QR codes for digital transactions.

The rollout has been coordinated with twelve partner banks and Electronic Money Institutions, with Jazz, Easypaisa, and JS Bank playing key roles in onboarding and activating merchants.

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Officials said the digital payment mandate will boost convenience, improve security, ensure tax compliance, and streamline business operations for cashless transactions.

Last week, Islamabad launched a cashless payment system at the One-Window Directorate of CDA, marking a major step toward creating first fully digital model city.

The initiative was inaugurated by Chairman CDA Muhammad Ali Randhawa, along with senior officials, commercial banks, and financial technology representatives.

Chairman Randhawa said the system supports the government’s digital vision by enabling faster, transparent, and secure payments while reducing reliance on physical cash.