RAWALPINDI: The Rawalpindi Cantonment Board (RCB) on Friday formally implemented a cashless system on Bank Road, Saddar.

Consumers can now make digital payments at every stall in the bazaar, officials said, adding that the cash system will also remain in place.

The inauguration ceremony was attended by Station Commander Brig Syed Ali Anjum, Rawalpindi Chamber of Commerce and Industry (RCCI) President Usman Shaukat, RCB officials, Zindigi Chief Officer Noman Azhar and State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) Chief Manager Rizwan Khalil Shamsie.

Representatives of traders’ unions were also present, highlighting a unified commitment among public and private stakeholders to digital transformation.

Zindigi, powered by JS Bank, in collaboration with the State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) Rawalpindi, inaugurated the digitisation of Saddar Bazar, Bank Road Cantt — one of the city’s prominent commercial hubs.

Achieved under SBP’s framework, the initiative marks a step towards financial inclusion and Pakistan’s transition to a cashless economy.

The digitisation of one of Rawalpindi’s busiest commercial centres demonstrates on-ground impact and presents a model that can be replicated in markets across the country.

Through Zindigi Raast QR, merchants can receive secure and instant payments from any bank or wallet, while customers can use a “scan and pay” facility with instant confirmation.

The system is aimed at enhancing speed, security, transparency and efficiency in market transactions.

Commenting on the launch, Noman Azhar said, “Saddar Bazar Rawalpindi is not just going digital, it is becoming a live lab for understanding how cashless ecosystems reshape daily commerce, testing next-generation payment solutions and setting a blueprint for future smart markets across the country.”

Published in Dawn, February 28th, 2026