Islamabad Airport Implements Cashless Transactions For All Passengers

In a significant development, Islamabad International Airport has officially become Pakistan's first fully cashless airport, a move that aligns with the country's broader push towards digital financial systems. This initiative, facilitated by aik, a subsidiary of Bank Islami, enables travelers to conduct all transactions without cash, utilizing QR codes and other digital payment methods. Ashfaque Ahmed, Chief Officer at aik, emphasized the importance of this transition, stating, "This deployment reflects our commitment to building practical digital infrastructure that improves everyday transactions." The integration of this cashless system is seen as a foundational step towards enhancing efficiency, transparency, and financial inclusion in Pakistan's economy, which has traditionally relied heavily on cash transactions. The State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) supports this initiative as part of its strategy to modernize the country's financial landscape and reduce tax evasion through more traceable transactions.