Update · 13 Nov 2026, 8:40 PM PKT: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif directed authorities to prepare a clear roadmap with specific timelines and targets for a fully digital payment system nationwide. Shehbaz Sharif also stressed the need for uninterrupted internet access and easily accessible technology for the public, and directed authorities to address difficulties faced by consumers using digital payment systems.
Minister of State Talal Chaudhry said the government aimed to integrate small-scale traders as well as street vendors into the digital payment system by December 31. Shehbaz Sharif called for continued promotion of digital transactions between consumers and merchants through the Raast QR Code system.
Pakistan’s federal government plans to turn Islamabad into the country’s first cashless city. Authorities have set December 31 as the deadline for putting the digital payment system in place.
Minister of State for Interior Talal Chaudhry said cash transactions must stop across every department of the Islamabad Capital Territory (ICT) administration and the Capital Development Authority (CDA) by November 30.
Merchant targets and digital payment rollout
Chaudhry said the government wants all Islamabad merchants on the cashless system by December 31, and that work on the transformation is moving quickly. He added that 26,000 merchants had already been linked to digital payment services.
Digital payment facilities will be available at every level, from street vendors to large business centres, he said.
Expected benefits and stakeholder support
Chaudhry said the shift would strengthen financial transparency, tax monitoring and the wider transaction process. He stressed that input from all relevant institutions and stakeholders was essential for success.
During a meeting, banking sector representatives welcomed the initiative and pledged full cooperation. Chaudhry said all relevant institutions would work together to turn Islamabad into a modern digital city.
