Islamabad Launches QR Code Payment System Citywide

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The Capital Development Authority (CDA) has unveiled plans to digitise civic payments across Islamabad, aiming to streamline services and reduce public inconvenience.

The initiative was announced during a high-level meeting chaired by CDA Chairman Muhammad Ali Randhawa on Thursday. The digital system will allow residents to pay for services such as property taxes, water bills, parking fees, and land transfers using QR codes and mobile apps.

According to Chairman Randhawa, the move is designed to “enhance transparency, improve service delivery, and align with global digital governance standards.”

The CDA is collaborating with leading banks to develop a secure online payment ecosystem. This includes mobile integration and real-time payment confirmation. The goal is to reduce reliance on cash transactions and cut down on processing times for essential public services.

A senior CDA official said the new system is intended to make everyday transactions smoother for citizens. “This means no more standing in long queues or handling physical cash for routine bill payments,” the official said.

The digitisation drive will begin in high-demand areas such as property offices, water and sanitation services, and parking zones. These departments will serve as pilot locations before the system is rolled out across the capital.

The cashless transition is also expected to reduce the risk of corruption and paperwork delays by limiting human interaction in payment processes.

This initiative is part of a broader national agenda to improve digital financial inclusion in Pakistan. With smartphone usage on the rise and mobile banking gaining popularity, authorities hope the transition will be widely accepted.

Officials at the meeting stressed that proper cybersecurity measures will be implemented to protect citizen data and ensure the smooth functioning of the system.

Once fully launched, Islamabad will join a growing list of cities worldwide embracing cashless civic operations. Authorities believe the move could serve as a model for other metropolitan regions in the country.

The CDA plans to evaluate the system’s performance after the first phase and will make adjustments based on public feedback and system metrics.

Chairman Randhawa concluded that this is “a major step forward in making Islamabad a digital-first city, smarter, faster, and more citizen-centric.”