Islamabad: The government has announced its decision to transform Islamabad into the nation’s first fully cashless city by the end of this year, with a deadline set for December 31.

According to Radio Pakistan, Minister of State for Interior Talal Chaudhry emphasized the importance of stakeholder consultations and input for the effective implementation of the “Cashless Islamabad” initiative during a meeting in the capital. Chaudhry declared that from November 30, cash payments will no longer be accepted in any department of the Islamabad Capital Territory (ICT) or the Capital Development Authority (CDA).

The government aims to integrate all merchants in Islamabad into the cashless payment system by the end of December. Chaudhry reported that approximately 26,000 merchants in the city have already been connected to the digital payment infrastructure. He further stated that digital payment facilities will be made available across various levels, from street vendors to major business centers, to ensure a seamless transition to a cashless economy.