The federal government has decided to transform Islamabad into Pakistan’s first fully cashless city, setting a deadline of December 31, 2026, to connect all commercial centres, shops and businesses across the capital to digital payment systems.
Minister of State for Interior Talal Chaudhry announced that cash payments will no longer be accepted at any department of the Islamabad Capital Territory (ICT) administration or the Capital Development Authority (CDA) after November 30.
The announcement came during a high-level meeting chaired by Talal Chaudhry to review progress on the Cashless Islamabad initiative. CDA Chairman Sohail Ashraf, representatives of the banking sector and other senior officials attended the meeting.
Addressing participants, the minister said the project was being implemented rapidly under the special directives of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Federal Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi.
He stated that Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi had committed to making Islamabad Pakistan’s first cashless city and the world’s first cashless capital.
Talal Chaudhry said the transition to digital payments would improve financial transparency, strengthen tax monitoring and modernise the transaction system across the federal capital.
According to the minister, 26,000 merchants in Islamabad have already been connected to digital payment systems, while efforts are underway to extend the facility to all businesses, from roadside vendors and small shopkeepers to major commercial establishments.
He emphasised that the government aims to ensure digital payment facilities are accessible at every level of commercial activity, enabling residents to make transactions without relying on physical cash.
The minister also highlighted the importance of coordination among government departments, financial institutions and other stakeholders to ensure the project’s successful implementation.
During the meeting, representatives of the banking sector welcomed the government’s initiative and assured officials of their full cooperation in expanding digital payment infrastructure throughout Islamabad.
Talal Chaudhry reiterated that all relevant institutions would work together to transform Islamabad into a modern digital city, with improved financial accountability, greater convenience for citizens and a more transparent payment system.
Under the government’s announced timeline, ICT and CDA departments will stop accepting cash payments after November 30, while the broader transition covering shops, markets and commercial establishments is targeted for completion by December 31, 2026.
Earlier, it was revealed that the Capital Development Authority (CDA) is planning to introduce an exclusive electric bus service for women in Islamabad, with an initial fleet of 30 pink buses.
The civic agency is in the process of engaging relevant partners to acquire the buses on the directions of the federal government and the Interior Ministry.
According to CDA sources, the authority plans to engage Heavy Industries Taxila (HIT) to import the electric buses, likely from China, following the model adopted for its existing electric bus service.
A senior CDA official confirmed the plan, saying the authority had directed the relevant wing to prepare a summary for approval by the CDA board. After approval, the process of engaging HIT for importing the buses will move forward.
The decision comes after authorities observed that women and girls faced difficulties finding space on existing electric buses during peak hours due to heavy passenger traffic.
The dedicated pink bus service will operate on the same routes as the existing electric buses, although additional routes may also be introduced if required.
The CDA official said the existing electric bus service had received an encouraging response from citizens, prompting the authority to plan a separate transport facility for women.
The pink bus service could be launched within the next three months, subject to the completion of the necessary approvals and procurement process.
Meanwhile, the CDA is also preparing to launch a double-decker bus service to promote tourism in the federal capital.
Initially, four double-decker buses are planned for a 25-kilometre city tour starting from F-9 Park and covering major tourist attractions, including Faisal Mosque, Lok Virsa and Shakarparian.
The CDA board and Development Working Party (DWP) have already approved the project, and the authority is at an advanced stage of preparations.
