Karachi, The Government of Sindh has initiated a groundbreaking e-procurement system, aiming to transform the public procurement process in the province. Caretaker Chief Minister Sindh, Justice (retd) Maqbool Baqir, announced the launch of this digital initiative, designed to enhance efficiency, transparency, and reduce costs in procurement activities.
According to Chief Minister Sindh, the traditional methods of procurement, often fraught with challenges, are set to be revolutionized by the implementation of the e-Procurement System, known as E-Pak Acquisition and Disposal System (EPDS). Speaking at the inauguration ceremony held at a local hotel, the Chief Minister highlighted that the new system will ensure secure and efficient management of procurement documents, reduce paperwork and errors, and provide access to crucial document information.
The event marked a significant milestone, with high-ranking officials of the provincial government and civil society members in attendance, including Law Minister and Chairman Sepra Umar Soomro, Chief Secretary Dr. Fakhar Alam, Federal Government Pepra Chief Maqbool Gondal, DG Sepra Zubair Parvez, and secretaries of various departments. The Chief Minister emphasized the importance of embracing technological innovation in various industries, underscoring it as a necessity rather than an option. The e-procurement system reflects the provincial government’s commitment to leveraging technology to improve operations and deliver better outcomes for stakeholders.
The Sindh Public Procurement Regulatory Authority (SPPRA), with support from the World Bank and the Federal Pipera, successfully launched the Electronic Procurement System. This initiative is part of Sindh’s efforts to increase transparency, equality, and competition in public procurement.
Key features of the e-procurement system include a user-friendly interface, real-time monitoring and reporting capabilities, digital document management, automated bidding processes, and enhanced security measures to protect sensitive data. The system is expected to streamline workflows and establish a fair and competitive environment for bidding.
Law Minister and Chairman Sepra Umar Soomro, addressing the ceremony, stated that the system’s efficiency and transparency would eliminate complaints about tender processes. He noted that the provincial governments should have ideally implemented such a digital system earlier, but action was taken following recommendations from the World Bank.
The introduction of the e-procurement system marks a crucial advancement for public procurement in Sindh. It is designed to promote transparency in the procurement process, believed to be a vital step in modernizing and reforming the public sector. Federal Government DG Pipera Maqbool Gondal also addressed the ceremony, noting that the collaboration with the Sindh Government established this digital system, which is key to eliminating corruption and fraud.
The ceremony concluded with the Chief Minister officially launching the e-procurement system, signaling a new era in public procurement for Sindh.