Islamabad’s iconic Kabul Restaurant, a culinary landmark in F-7 for decades, made headlines today after its open-air dining area was sealed by the Capital Development Authority (CDA) for non-compliance with the city’s new cashless payment regulations introduced under the Government’s Digital Pakistan initiative.
The incident gained momentum following a viral social media post by a local citizen who criticized the restaurant for refusing to accept digital payments, alleging potential tax evasion. The post quickly spread across platforms, sparking widespread public debate on the restaurant’s practices.
In response, CDA Chairman and Chief Commissioner Muhammad Ali Randhawa swiftly took notice and revoked the restaurant’s approval for outdoor seating, citing non-compliance with the cashless policy. The action was applauded by Minister of IT and Telecom, Shaza Fatima Khawaja, who retweeted Mr. Randhawa’s statement on X, appreciating the enforcement of the government’s digital initiative.
Amidst the public attention, Zindigi, powered by JS Bank, once again demonstrated its leadership in advancing the Cashless Islamabad vision. Having already enabled the first cashless market of Pakistan (H-9 Bazaar), Zindigi stepped into digitally onboard Kabul Restaurant within minutes using its Raast P2M QR payment solution. This swift action allowed customers to make instant, secure, and cashless transactions, reinforcing Zindigi’s role as a driver of digital transformation in Pakistan’s economy.
This development stands as a powerful example of effective public–private collaboration, showcasing how government policy and private innovation can align to accelerate financial inclusion and economic modernization. From challenges to change, Zindigi continues to turn every moment into progress.
Citizens across social media appreciated the swift and coordinated response by Zindigi and Islamabad’s District Administration, particularly CDA Chairman & Chief Commissioner Muhammad Ali Randhawa and Dr. Anam Fatima Chief Metropolitan Corporation Islamabad (MCI ),for their proactive governance and commitment to enforcing the cashless economy vision. Alongside them, Zindigi’s rapid action in enabling digital payments at Kabul Restaurant drew widespread praise, a testament to how strong public–private partnerships can deliver real-time solutions and bring Pakistan closer to a truly cashless future.
Time to close down United Bakery F/6 Markaz
They are also evading tax and refuse to install credit card machines.
Pure nonsense, nonsense, and more nonsense. Cashless system is still under scrutiny and how can you implement a policy that has not yet been approved by the government. To go cashless, you are forcing everybody to have debit or credit cards, a smart phone with internet and much more. As a citizen if Pakistan, I condemn this incident with full force. As regards tax evasion, who pays the taxes here? This is victimisation of the restaurant because it bears the name ‘Kabul’ and the customers. Highly condemnable!
Everything begins from scratch and then become a trendy or normal. These days getting debt card is easier than getting a new sim card. Plenty of digital banks issue card within a day. That’s just excuse. Owner were deliberately not paying tax and when action was taken some Afghani including you, labelling it a victim. Ever travelled out of Pakistan ? All countries are adopting cashless to avoid tax chori m corruption.
It’s good but still one of oldest bakery namely United Bakery situated in Supermarket F/6 is not accepting plastic money.
In my community max people are using Zindigi application to pay bills. It’s Bio verification is so difficult and user non friendly. JS bank needs to improve it.
They should after jewllers