Zindigi and Islamabad Authorities Receive Praise for Promoting Cashless Payments

Islamabad’s iconic Kabul Restaurant, a longtime culinary landmark in F-7, made headlines after its open-air dining area was sealed by the Capital Development Authority (CDA) for failing to comply with the city’s new cashless payment regulations under the Government’s Digital Pakistan initiative. The incident gained traction after a social media post criticized the restaurant for refusing digital payments and raised concerns about potential tax evasion, sparking widespread public discussion.

CDA Chairman and Chief Commissioner Muhammad Ali Randhawa acted swiftly, revoking the restaurant’s approval for outdoor seating due to non-compliance with the cashless policy. The move was supported by Minister of IT and Telecom Shaza Fatima Khawaja, who praised the enforcement of the government’s digital initiative on social media.

In response, Zindigi, powered by JS Bank, quickly enabled digital payments at Kabul Restaurant using its Raast P2M QR solution. This allowed customers to make instant, secure, and cashless transactions, reinforcing Zindigi’s role in advancing the Cashless Islamabad vision. The platform had previously facilitated Pakistan’s first cashless market at H-9 Bazaar, and its rapid intervention at Kabul Restaurant highlighted the effectiveness of public–private collaboration in promoting financial inclusion and economic modernization.

The coordinated response drew widespread appreciation from citizens and social media users, particularly praising CDA Chairman Muhammad Ali Randhawa, Dr. Anam Fatima of the Chief Metropolitan Corporation Islamabad (MCI), and Zindigi for their proactive governance and quick implementation. The incident serves as a strong example of how government policy and private sector innovation can work together to deliver real-time solutions, demonstrating Pakistan’s growing momentum toward a truly cashless economy.