Capital gets first cashless weekly market
There needs to be a concerted effort to address challenges in the sector including improving digital infrastructure, establishing reliable payment systems, and stabilising energy costs. photo: file
Under the policy to transform the country's first city — the federal capital — into a cashless and fully digital metropolis, the H-9 weekly market has been formally converted into a complete cashless system. CDA Chairman Muhammad Ali Randhawa inaugurated Pakistan's first fully cashless weekly bazaar at H-9.
The ceremony was attended by the member finance, chief officer MCI, CEO Zindigi, officials from the State Bank of Pakistan, CDA, district administration, and a large number of consumers and traders.
The chairman reviewed the digital payment arrangements in detail and, along with Member Finance, Chief Officer MCI Dr Anum Fatima, Assistant Director Bazaar Kamran Raza Mangi, and other officials, made purchases through the cashless payment method at various stalls.
Officials briefed the chairman that consumers are being offered special discounts for digital payments.
The cashless system is being expanded to all commercial centres, shopping malls, hospitals, hotels, restaurants, and the Islamabad Airport.
The CDA chairman appreciated the efforts of MCI, commercial banks, and the Islamabad administration. He said that in line with the Prime Minister's vision, this initiative has been launched to facilitate citizens and consumers, with the goal of making Islamabad the country's first cashless and digital city.