The Capital Development Authority (CDA) has launched Islamabad’s first-ever digital parking system, starting in G-8 Markaz. The initiative, inaugurated by CDA Chairman Mohammad Ali Randhawa, aims to modernize parking management in the capital. For the first 10 days, parking will be free to allow residents to familiarize themselves with the system and its digital payment options, which include credit and debit cards, QR codes, scratch cards, and cash payments through machines.

By September 25, the digital system will expand to key locations like Centaurus Mall and the F-7 sector. Future plans include implementing the system in commercial hubs, such as the under-construction Blue Area parking plaza. According to Randhawa, the revenue generated will be reinvested to improve local markets and parking facilities.

A five-year contract has been awarded to a joint venture between Pakistani and Chinese companies, with CDA receiving 75% of the revenue and the contractor retaining 25%. Parking will remain free for the first 15 minutes, facilitating quick errands like ATM visits or small purchases.

This initiative also addresses long-standing issues of corruption and mismanagement in manual parking fee collection. A 2022 audit revealed that CDA and Metropolitan Corporation Islamabad (MCI) lost over PKR 82 million due to irregularities at major sites. The digital system is expected to provide real-time tracking of fees, enhancing transparency and accountability in parking operations.