Pakistani prime minister has issued a one-month deadline for all government offices to transition to a paperless system, aiming to boost efficiency and modernize administrative processes across the country. This initiative is part of broader efforts to embrace digitalization and streamline government operations.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on August 25 directed the IT ministry and related departments to transition all federal government offices to a paperless system by implementing an “e-office” solution within a month.
The e-office system involves the increased use of computer-based information technology to streamline and simplify administrative procedures.
“There should be no file work without e-office in government offices from next month,” the PM stated. “Implementation of e-office is the top priority of the government to speed up the system and bring transparency to it.”
In a statement from his office, PM Sharif emphasized that delays in the implementation of the e-office system would not be tolerated. He instructed all departments to ensure that all file work is conducted through e-offices within this timeline.
The statement also noted that the staff at the PM Office has already completed their e-office training in compliance with the prime minister’s directive.
“E-office is an important step toward improving governance and promoting digitization in the country,” Sharif said, further directing authorities to submit a progress report on the initiative within two weeks.
National Digital Commission
Last week, State Minister for IT Shaza Fatima Khawaja announced that Pakistan plans to establish a National Digital Commission to support the digitization of the economy and the transition to paperless governance.
“It will not only improve governance and tax collection efficiency, but it will also smoothen the inter-ministerial coordination,” Khawaja was quoted as saying by state media.
She also emphasized that paperless governance is “vital” for accelerating government operations and removing procedural bottlenecks.
As Pakistan continues to grapple with an ongoing economic crisis, the government is seeking to improve governance and address financial challenges through institutional reforms.