ISLAMABAD – Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has given a one-month deadline for all federal government offices to transition to a paperless system by implementing the “e-office” initiative. This move aims to streamline official procedures and enhance transparency.
Addressing the launch of the Prime Minister’s Digital Youth Hub on August 3, 2024, Sharif emphasized the importance of adopting the e-office system to expedite government operations and ensure greater transparency. He warned that any delay in the implementation of this system would be unacceptable.
The e-office initiative seeks to replace cumbersome paperwork with digital processes, reducing complex and lengthy procedures through increased use of computer-based information technology. This reform is part of a broader effort to address Pakistan’s ongoing economic crisis and improve governance through institutional changes.
Sharif instructed all departments to transition to electronic file management within the specified timeframe, declaring it a top priority. The Prime Minister’s Office has already completed e-office training, according to a statement from his office.
“E-office is a crucial step toward enhancing governance and advancing digitization in Pakistan,” Sharif noted, directing authorities to report on the initiative’s progress within two weeks.
Last week, State Minister for IT Shaza Fatima Khawaja announced plans to establish a National Digital Commission to oversee the digitization of the economy and promote paperless governance. She highlighted that the move would not only improve governance and tax collection efficiency but also facilitate better inter-ministerial coordination. Khawaja underscored that transitioning to a paperless system is essential for accelerating government operations and eliminating procedural delays.
