M-Tags made mandatory for vehicles entering capital
These initiatives aim to reduce traffic congestion, eliminate illegal parking, and enhance urban mobility and security in the federal capital.
The decision was taken during a high-level meeting at CDA Headquarters chaired by Chairman CDA and Chief Commissioner Islamabad, Muhammad Ali Randhawa.
The meeting was attended by CDA Board members, senior officers from ICT, the Deputy Commissioner Islamabad, Excise and Taxation officials, and other key stakeholders.
Randhawa announced that parking meters would be installed across the city, with higher charges in congested areas. Citizens will soon be able to reserve parking spots using a mobile app or online portal, and make payments through QR codes, mobile wallets, or bank cards.
He also directed that traffic surveys be conducted to monitor the daily inflow and outflow of vehicles. The CDA One-Window Facilitation Center is being upgraded to support cashless payments for services such as parking, property taxes, and utility bills.
Copyright Business Recorder, 2025
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Business Recorder
2 days ago
- Business Recorder
PM ‘dissatisfied' with CDA chief's performance
ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has expressed dissatisfaction over the performance of the Capital Development Authority (CDA) chairman, as multiple reports point to administrative lapses and substandard construction work in the federal capital. The sources within the CDA told Business Recorder that the prime minister has decided to remove CDA Chairman Muhammad Ali Randhawa and Chief Commissioner Islamabad and member administration Talat Gondal from their respective positions. The decision, the sources added, follows a string of complaints and documented irregularities concerning several civic projects. CDA faces criticism as audit reveals lack of transparency According to insider accounts, the prime minister has already conducted interviews with two former CDA chairmen as potential replacements. The prime minister is said to have taken serious note of irregularities in the Serena Underpass and the Business Facilitation Centre projects. A report detailing discrepancies in billing practices for LED lighting - where charges were allegedly drawn from the public exchequer - has also been submitted, sources said. In addition, drainage issues in the Diplomatic Enclave have reportedly caused damage to foreign missions, prompting several European embassies to lodge formal written complaints with the Prime Minister's Office. Concerns were further heightened over substandard construction at the Tayyip Erdogan Interchange, which, according to government officials, may have adversely affected Pakistan's international image. A separate report indicating alleged embezzlement of Rs500 million in a development project has also been received by the prime minister. Reports also suggest that the prime minister expressed dismay over inappropriate conduct by CDA officials towards elected representatives. The removal of Randhawa and Gondal now appears imminent, with an official notification expected shortly, according to government sources. Both Randhawa and Gondal did not respond to requests for comment. Copyright Business Recorder, 2025
Business Recorder
2 days ago
- Business Recorder
Digital payments: Utility bills to have QR codes
ISLAMABAD: In a major step towards cashless economy the government has decided that all electricity/ telephone/ gas bills will have printed QR codes, thereby allowing payment through digital means, well informed sources told Business Recorder. This decision was taken at a recent meeting presided over by the Prime Minister, Shehbaz Sharif, which was attended by all the concerned ministries/ organisations. Prime Minister, will launch Digital Payment Index Pakistan next month for which Governor SBP and CEO Karandaaz are to make arrangements. According to sources, a team led by Secretary Petroleum and Natural Resources and comprising, Secretary Power, Secretary M/o IT&T and Chairman Capital Development Authority (CDA) will formulate the mechanism within a month. Digital payments: Pakistan PM forms three high-powered panels Secretary Petroleum and Chairman Oil and Gas Regulatory Authority (OGRA) will devise a mechanism in one month for mandatory acceptance of payments through QR codes, Point of Sale (PoS) terminals, soft PoS to be made available in all petrol stations across the country ( including AJ&K, GB regions) and Motorways as this will be mandatory condition of their licences, the sources added. Chairman CDA, in consultation with the Law and Justice Division is tasked to review legal framework for mandating acceptance of QR codes, PoS terminals, soft PoS, or other approved digital payment instruments and to mandate acceptance accordingly. For the State Bank of Pakistan (SBP), the following revised target, as proposed by the Sub-Committee on digital payments innovation and adoption, were approved: (i) active digital commerce payment points include QR codes- 2 million from existing 0.5 million ;(ii) active merchant- 1 transaction per month ;(iii) the number of mobile/ internet app and digital banking users to be increased to 120 million from 95 million during FY 26;(iv) the number of digital transactions will be enhanced by 100 per cent to 15 billion from existing 7.5 billion ; and (v) remittances to be credited in bank accounts/ wallets ( no cash payments)-100 per cent digital from existing 80 per cent. Secretary Finance and Governor State Bank of Pakistan have been directed to revise annual subsidy allocation ceiling for supporting cashless transactions to Rs 3.5 billion ( 0.5 per cent incentive to banks for encouraging merchants on boarding on Raast). Banks may charge MDR of up to 0.25 per cent from merchants. Any amount in excess of this ceiling to be borne by the service providers. The Government Payment Sub-Committee, in consultation with provincial governments and relevant stakeholders, shall review the proposed timelines for implementation of its proposed recommendations. For submission of plans on State Owned Entities (SOEs) and P2G targets, revised timelines, reduced by at least one fourth will be shared during the next meeting of the Committee. Governor SBP has been directed to ensure that private sector members on the Board of Raast Payment Pakistan shall be renowned experts with a proven professional track record in the field of digital payments. Governor SBP has also been directed to finalise appointment of Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Raast Payment Pakistan by end of September 2025. Secretary Information Technology and Telecom has been asked to make all necessary arrangements for the inauguration of the Islamabad IT Park by the third week of August 2025 without exception. The meeting also decided that Right of Way (RoW) charges will be eliminated beginning with CDA, NHA and Pakistan Railways. Capital Development Authority while granting NOC/ approval to new housing societies shall prescribe a condition that these societies will not impose any Right of Way for development/installation of IT and IT related infrastructure /fiberization. Law and Justice Division to review legal instruments for implementation of this decision. This shall serve as a model for provincial governments to adopt for which consensus will be developed. Copyright Business Recorder, 2025
Express Tribune
2 days ago
- Express Tribune
Capital makes M-Tag mandatory for all vehicles
All vehicles entering the federal capital will now be required to have an M-Tag, and vehicles without it will not be allowed entry. Additionally, a digital parking system is being introduced, with parking meters installed in busy areas where parking charges will be higher. The decision was taken at a meeting chaired by CDA Chairman and Islamabad Chief Commissioner, Muhammad Ali Randhawa.
