Islamabad: Federal Minister for Housing and Works, Mian Riaz Hussain Pirzada, presided over a crucial meeting today to evaluate the progress of digitalization and automation within his ministry and its attached departments. The meeting spotlighted the pressing need for technological advancements and the Minister’s strong disapproval of the current pace of transformation, particularly in the automation of the Estate Office.

According to Press Information Department, during the session, Minister Pirzada was briefed on the digitalization process’s current status. He expressed significant dissatisfaction with the slow progress in the Estate Office’s automation over the past six months and condemned the resistance by certain elements within the system. Minister Pirzada vowed to confront those resisting change, citing their vested interests as a barrier to necessary reforms.

The discussion also covered issues at the Karachi Estate Office, where a recent inquiry uncovered poorly managed manual records that have resulted in substantial financial losses for the government. The Karachi office oversees land involving thirty cooperative societies totaling 2676.14 acres, as governed by the Rule of Business 1973.

Minister Pirzada emphasized the urgency of automating processes and set specific targets for different departments. He issued an ultimatum for the completion of digitalization efforts and the development of an E-Portal for No Objection Certificates (NOCs) within assigned deadlines. He also threatened to overhaul senior positions in the ministry if the stipulated deadlines are not met.