Pakistan has taken a significant step toward its goal of a cashless economy with the inauguration of the country”s first-ever fully digital public market at the H-9 Sunday Bazaar in the capital. The initiative, part of a broader national vision for digital transformation, enables both vendors and consumers to conduct transactions electronically using Raast QR codes.
According to a statement today, the project is a public-private partnership between the Capital Development Authority (CDA) and Zindigi, a digital financial service powered by JS Bank, and is supported by the State Bank of Pakistan (SBP).
The formal launch was officiated by CDA Chairman and Chief Commissioner Islamabad, Muhammad Ali Randhawa. He was joined by Noman Azhar, Chief Officer of Zindigi; Dr. Anam Fatima, Chief of Metropolitan Corporation Islamabad (MCI); and other high-ranking officials from the SBP and CDA.
The new system allows customers to make instant payments from any banking application by scanning Zindigi P2M (Person-to-Merchant) Raast QR codes. This development is aimed at fostering greater financial inclusion and accelerating the country”s shift towards a digital payment ecosystem.
Situated in Sector H-9, the Sunday Market is one of Islamabad”s largest commercial hubs, attracting thousands of visitors each week who shop for items ranging from fresh produce and apparel to household essentials.
Speaking at the ceremony, Ali Randhawa linked the initiative directly to the Prime Minister’s vision, calling it a “decisive step towards sustainable economic growth.” He noted, “Islamabad is leading this transformation… setting the benchmark as a fully digital, financially inclusive, and future-ready capital.’
Noman Azhar of Zindigi highlighted the importance of collaborative efforts in building the new financial infrastructure. “Zindigi is at the forefront of fostering public-private partnerships and we firmly believe that together we can build an ecosystem… offering seamless, secure, and truly cashless transactions,” he stated.
The event was attended by numerous senior government and banking officials, including Additional Deputy Commissioner General Sahibzada Yousaf, Assistant Commissioner Ms. Maheen, and several representatives from the State Bank of Pakistan, alongside teams from the organizing bodies.