The Islamabad City mobile application has enabled the Excise and Taxation Department of Islamabad Capital Territory to collect Rs. 15.5 billion in excise taxes, signaling a major advancement in Pakistan’s digital governance framework. This update was shared during a digital economy review meeting chaired by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, where the platform’s impact on service delivery and tax efficiency was emphasized.
The app, which offers a suite of 15 services to residents of the capital, has reached over 1.3 million downloads, indicating strong public engagement and adoption. Developed under the broader Digital Pakistan strategy, the application has played a vital role in streamlining public sector processes, enabling citizens to fulfill key obligations such as tax payments through a mobile interface. It has improved service accessibility, reduced reliance on manual procedures, and increased the transparency of government collections.
During the briefing, officials noted that the growing reliance on the Islamabad City App reflects citizen confidence in digital tools introduced by the government. From motor vehicle tax to property-related services, the app has centralized various functions, reducing the need for in-person visits to government offices. Its success highlights how mobile-first services are shaping a more accountable and efficient relationship between public institutions and citizens.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif emphasized the importance of public awareness campaigns to encourage broader use of digital payments. He directed relevant departments to ensure that citizens are well-informed about the convenience and benefits of digital platforms in order to improve adoption across all demographics. Stressing the significance of transparency and simplification of services, he reiterated the government’s commitment to embedding technology into governance at all levels.
The Islamabad City App forms a key part of the Digital National Pakistan initiative, which aims to digitize government services, improve taxpayer experience, and broaden the revenue base through digital inclusion. Officials from ICT’s Excise and Taxation Department credited the results to process automation, real-time data integration, and seamless payment processing systems that have replaced outdated workflows.
The platform’s ability to drive such a substantial figure in tax revenue illustrates how strategic use of technology can positively impact governance outcomes. By incorporating features that allow users to access services with minimal friction, the app addresses longstanding inefficiencies while contributing to revenue collection targets. Authorities plan to continue enhancing its features to include more services and integrate feedback loops for citizens.
With this performance, the Islamabad City App has become a model for other regional administrations looking to digitize service delivery. Its design and results underline the benefits of user-centric public technology and its role in promoting accountability, transparency, and ease of doing business in the public sector.
