Kentkart, a leading provider of smart transportation solutions, has entered into a landmark partnership with Visa to transform public transport in Pakistan. The collaboration was formalized during a visit to Visa’s Dubai office, where both organizations signed an agreement to support the Capital Development Authority’s (CDA) transit project in Islamabad.
The partnership aims to introduce a next-generation Automated Fare Collection (AFC) system that will enable open-loop EMV payments through Visa’s Cybersource platform. This initiative represents a major milestone in Pakistan’s journey toward developing an integrated, secure, and future-ready public transport ecosystem.
By leveraging Visa’s global expertise in digital payments and Kentkart’s advanced mobility solutions, the project seeks to deliver a scalable system that improves the commuting experience for millions of passengers in the federal capital. Commuters will benefit from seamless, contactless transactions, allowing them to pay directly with their bank cards or digital wallets without relying on proprietary or closed-loop fare cards.
Executives from both organizations highlighted the significance of this collaboration for Pakistan’s transport infrastructure. The introduction of open-loop EMV technology is expected to set new benchmarks in urban mobility, aligning the country with international best practices in public transport digitization.
“This partnership marks a major step in creating smarter, more connected transport systems in Pakistan,” Kentkart representatives said. “By working with Visa, we are delivering not only convenience and security for passengers but also a robust, future-ready model that can be scaled globally.”
Visa executives echoed this sentiment, emphasizing the importance of innovation in mobility and financial inclusion. By integrating Visa’s Cybersource technology into Islamabad’s transit network, the project will support broader adoption of digital payments while reducing reliance on cash.
The initiative also complements Pakistan’s national vision for smarter cities and more efficient mobility solutions. With urban populations growing rapidly, digital transport systems that combine security, convenience, and scalability are increasingly critical for improving quality of life in metropolitan areas.
Observers believe the Islamabad project could serve as a model for other Pakistani cities, where public transport remains heavily dependent on cash-based fare collection. By demonstrating the success of open-loop EMV payments, Kentkart and Visa are paving the way for broader adoption of contactless, integrated systems across the country.
As part of their shared vision, Kentkart and Visa are committed to driving innovation beyond Islamabad. The partnership reflects a growing global trend of using technology to reimagine mobility, with scalable solutions that bridge public transport and digital payments at the core.
With this collaboration, Islamabad’s CDA transit project is set to become a flagship example of how strategic partnerships between global payment leaders and transport technology providers can accelerate modernization, drive efficiency, and enhance the commuter experience.
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