In a major step toward advancing Pakistan’s digital transformation and economic transparency, the Public Procurement Regulatory Authority (PPRA) has officially launched its cutting-edge e-Pak Acquisition & Disposal System (e-PADS). This newly introduced digital procurement platform is designed to fully automate the country’s public procurement process in accordance with international best practices, eliminating long-standing inefficiencies, human intervention, and bureaucratic red tape.
The e-PADS system, developed to streamline and digitize public procurement, has already attracted a remarkable 28,000 registered suppliers, including 400 foreign firms. This swift adoption marks a pivotal milestone in Pakistan’s journey toward a more transparent and accessible procurement ecosystem. Vendors can now register online through a simple verification process by the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) and the Securities and Exchange Commission of Pakistan (SECP) — completing the registration within 24 hours.
The platform offers a seamless digital experience for suppliers, allowing them to participate in tenders, submit bids, and receive contract awards entirely online — whether through laptops or mobile phones. By eliminating the need to physically visit offices or pay for printed tender documents, e-PADS not only reduces operational overhead but also enhances ease of doing business for local and international suppliers.
According to PPRA Managing Director Hasnat Ahmed Qureshi, the e-PADS is built with a foolproof design that restricts human involvement at all stages of procurement. “Even I, as the MD, cannot interfere in the system’s operations,” said Qureshi, emphasizing the platform’s robust in-built security features and its commitment to accountability. Regular security audits and detailed activity logs ensure traceability and transparency. In case of any complaints, access to relevant records is fully traceable, further bolstering stakeholder trust in the system.
Though procurement was devolved to the provinces under the 18th Constitutional Amendment, PPRA’s e-PADS has seen voluntary adoption by major provincial governments including Punjab, Sindh, and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. Balochistan is also expected to implement the system in the coming month, signaling nationwide alignment with federal digital infrastructure goals.
The reach of the platform has been further supported by the improved internet infrastructure across remote and underserved regions of Pakistan. Suppliers from across the country now have easier access to participate in public procurement activities. For any issues, vendors can utilize dedicated helplines operated by provincial and federal PPRA offices from 8 AM to midnight, or opt for in-person visits to resolve complex concerns.
The rollout of e-PADS is not just a technical upgrade but a foundational reform that promotes good governance, efficiency, and transparency. It aligns closely with Pakistan’s broader vision of digitizing key sectors of the economy under various national initiatives, including the Digital Pakistan program.
By reducing paperwork, minimizing delays, and eliminating human bias, PPRA’s e-PADS is poised to revolutionize how public procurement is conducted in Pakistan — setting a precedent for other digital governance reforms and positioning Pakistan as a digitally-forward economy in the region.
