Thousands of shops in Rawalpindi’s bustling Saddar Bazar, Bank Road, and Cantt areas now accept digital payments, thanks to a landmark partnership between Zindigi (powered by JS Bank) and the State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) Rawalpindi.
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The initiative transforms one of the city’s oldest and busiest commercial districts into a model digital payment zone—bringing the central bank’s vision of a “less-cash society” to the grassroots level.
What’s Happening?
Merchants across Saddar Bazar, Bank Road, and Cantt have been onboarded onto Zindigi’s digital ecosystem. Shoppers can now pay instantly using:
- RAAST QR codes (bank-to-bank transfers in seconds)
- Zindigi mobile app (scan & pay)
- Debit/credit cards via digital POS terminals
- NFC-enabled contactless payments
Why It Matters
| The Old Way (Cash) | The New Way (Digital) |
|---|---|
| Carry physical currency | Pay via smartphone |
| Risk of theft/counterfeit | Fully secure transactions |
| Need exact change | Pay exact amount digitally |
| No transaction records | Automatic digital trail |
| Cash flow uncertainty | Real-time sales tracking |
Who Benefits?
For Merchants:
- No more cash handling headaches or security risks
- Instant settlement directly into bank accounts
- Digital transaction history opens doors to working capital financing
- Real-time dashboards to track sales
For Shoppers:
- No need to carry cash or hunt for change
- Faster checkout experience
- Complete transparency with digital receipts
- Hygienic, contactless payments
For Rawalpindi:
- Positions the city as a leader in Pakistan’s digital transformation
- Attracts tech-savvy consumers and tourists
- Reduces shadow economy through documented transactions
Official Statements
“This partnership with Zindigi marks a major step toward our goal of a digitally inclusive Pakistan. When historic markets like Saddar Bazar go digital, it sends a powerful message that the future of payments is here.”
— SBP Rawalpindi Official
“We’re not just installing QR codes—we’re changing behavior. Every tap, scan, and payment at Saddar Bazar is a vote for a smarter, more inclusive economy. This is just the beginning.”
— Zindigi Spokesperson
The Bigger Picture
This project aligns with SBP’s broader “Banking on Equality” agenda and the national RAAST payment initiative. Saddar Bazar serves as a pilot—success here will pave the way for digitizing other major markets across:
- Islamabad
- Lahore
- Karachi
- Multan
- Faisalabad
