Karachi: In an ambitious move to modernize administrative operations, Sindh Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah has directed the Information, Science and Technology Department to formulate a phased plan for implementing an E-Office application across various government departments. The initiative aims to enhance efficiency, transparency, cost-effectiveness, data security, and collaboration within the governmental framework.

According to Chief Minister Sindh, the directive was issued during a high-level meeting at CM House, which saw the participation of key officials including Chief Secretary Asif Hyder Shah, Secretary to CM Raheem Shaikh, Secretary IT Noor Samoo, Secretary Service Ghulam Ali Brahmani, and other relevant stakeholders. The Chief Minister emphasized the transition from traditional manual filing systems to a comprehensive electronic mode of operation, in line with the Sindh Government Rules of Business established in 1986.

The Chief Minister expressed his vision for a paperless environment in government dealings by gradually integrating all departments into the digital E-Office system. Initially, the deployment of the E-Office application will focus on the Information, Science and Technology Department, along with the Departments of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities, Minorities, Social Welfare, Rehabilitation, Mines and Mineral Development, Inter-Provincial Coordination, College Education, and STEVTA.

Secretary IT Noor Samoo updated the Chief Minister on the ongoing training programs for officers from these departments to facilitate the smooth adoption of the E-Office system. He also mentioned plans to extend the E-Office system to additional departments in subsequent phases.

Further illustrating the progress in digital initiatives, the Chief Secretary highlighted the successful implementation of an E-service at the Deputy Commissioner’s office in Sukkur. This digital service allows for the online processing of documents such as domiciles, heirship certificates, and other revenue-related matters, linking various local officials including the assistant commissioner and mukhtiarkars.

The Chief Secretary assured continuous monitoring of the initiative’s effectiveness, with hopes to replicate the successful model across other districts, thereby streamlining administrative processes throughout the province.