CDA will set up 10 cashless Ramadan bazaars across Islamabad, offering affordable food, digital payments and better facilities for citizens during the holy month.
Where the Cashless Ramadan Bazaars Will Be Set Up
The Capital Development Authority (CDA) has announced plans to establish 10 Ramadan bazaars across Islamabad to ensure that essential food items remain available at affordable prices during the holy month. The decision was taken in a meeting chaired by CDA Chairman Mohammad Ali Randhawa and attended by senior officials, including Deputy Commissioner Islamabad Irfan Nawaz Memon and Chief Officer MCI Dr Anam Fatima.
According to the briefing shared in the meeting, seven new, dedicated Ramadan bazaars will be set up at key locations in the city, while three existing weekly bazaars will be converted into special Ramadan markets. Sites identified so far include Bhara Kahu, Pakistan Town along the Islamabad Expressway and Tarnol, among others. The goal is to cover both central and peripheral areas so that residents across Islamabad can access quality food items at official rates without having to travel long distances.
Why the New Bazaars Will Be Completely Cashless
One of the most notable features of the initiative is the decision to make all Ramadan bazaars completely cashless. Chairman Randhawa has directed that digital payment facilities be available at every stall and cash-and-carry outlet. This means shoppers will be encouraged to pay through debit and credit cards, mobile wallets, QR codes and other cash-free methods rather than relying on physical currency.
Moving to cashless transactions is expected to bring several benefits. It can help reduce the risk of theft and cash mismanagement, improve transparency in pricing and sales, and speed up payment at counters during busy hours. For citizens, easier access to digital payments also means fewer worries about carrying large amounts of cash while shopping for Ramadan and Eid essentials.
Focus on Affordable, Quality and Organic Food
The Ramadan bazaars are being set up with the clear objective of providing citizens with quality food items at controlled prices. Stalls will be operated by cash-and-carry outlets and various companies, ensuring a mix of brands and product options under one roof. Chairman Randhawa has instructed that there should be no compromise on food quality, and that all vendors must adhere to strict standards for hygiene and freshness.
The CDA chief has also ordered that dedicated stalls be allocated for organic food items. This will give health-conscious consumers better access to fresh and chemical-free products during Ramadan. Assistant commissioners and magistrates have been tasked with regularly monitoring all bazaars and markets, checking prices, quality and availability, and taking action where violations are found. All construction and repair work at the sites is to be completed before Ramadan begins, so that operations can run smoothly from day one.
Chand Bazaar, Mosques and Extra Facilities for Ramadan
In addition to the 10 cashless Ramadan bazaars, the CDA will organise a Chand Bazaar in the last 10 days of Ramadan to facilitate Eid-ul-Fitr shopping. This special market is expected to feature clothing, shoes, gifts and festive items, giving families a convenient place to complete their Eid preparations in one location.
The chairman has also directed that maintenance and security arrangements for all Auqaf mosques and Imambargahs be finalised ahead of Ramadan. Special lighting will be installed at Faisal Mosque and other major mosques to create a peaceful and welcoming environment for worshippers. Alongside religious activities, the CDA plans to organise healthy recreational and sports events at sports grounds across Islamabad, so that people have access to safe outdoor activities after iftar and during weekends.
What Islamabad Residents Should Expect This Ramadan
For residents of Islamabad, the introduction of cashless Ramadan bazaars is intended to make grocery shopping more organised, transparent and convenient. With official prices, digital payments and regular monitoring, citizens should find it easier to manage their monthly budgeting for food staples such as flour, sugar, oil, fruits, vegetables and poultry.
The combination of affordable bazaars, Chand Bazaar arrangements, improved mosque facilities and organised recreational activities shows that the city administration is taking a holistic approach to Ramadan planning. If the cashless systems and quality checks work as intended, Islamabad’s 2026 Ramadan experience could set a new benchmark for how civic bodies support citizens during the holy month through better prices, better services and better use of technology.
