A sudden transition to a newly introduced digital white paper system for stamp papers caused widespread disruption across Rawalpindi division, leaving lawyers unable to proceed with court filings and citizens struggling to complete routine documentation. The change, implemented by Punjab Board of Revenue, replaced the previously used e stamp mechanism that had been in place for nearly two years. The abrupt shift also removed the role of Bank of Punjab in issuing stamp papers and transferred the responsibility back to traditional licensed stamp vendors. However, during the first two days of implementation, the new system remained largely non functional, creating delays across courts and administrative offices in the region.
From early morning until office closing hours on Monday and Tuesday, not a single stamp paper could be issued due to persistent technical failures in the new digital portal. As a result, lawyers were unable to submit new cases, petitions before the High Court, appeals, bail applications or written replies in ongoing matters. The disruption effectively halted routine legal proceedings across multiple courts in Rawalpindi division. Legal professionals said that the sudden shutdown of the previous e stamp platform without ensuring the readiness of the replacement system left the judicial process stalled, creating delays that could take several days to clear once the system becomes operational.
The difficulties were not limited to legal practitioners. Citizens seeking stamp papers for everyday administrative needs also faced serious inconvenience. Documents ranging from Rs100 to Rs1,200 stamp papers are commonly required for a wide range of tasks including applications for water, electricity, gas and telephone connections, restoration of disconnected utilities, domicile certificates, job applications and various other official procedures. Long queues formed outside licensed stamp vendor offices throughout Rawalpindi as individuals waited for the system to come online. Many visitors ultimately left empty handed after hours of waiting, unable to obtain the required documents due to the system outage.
Another significant change under the new framework is the discontinuation of the traditional yellow stamp paper that had been widely used for nearly two centuries. These physical stamp papers were commonly used in property registrations, affidavits and powers of attorney, and were known for their durability and ability to remain intact for decades without deterioration. The new digital white paper model allows stamp papers to be downloaded through an online portal and printed on standard paper sheets. While the change reflects the government’s effort to modernize documentation and digitize public services, lawyers and citizens have raised concerns regarding the long term durability and authenticity of high value property documents printed on ordinary paper.
Officials involved in the transition said the technical setup and system configuration for the new portal were completed over the weekend and the platform was scheduled to become operational on March 9. The previous e stamp website was shut down at the same time and replaced by the new portal. However, users attempting to access the system during the first days of implementation found it largely inaccessible, effectively suspending the issuance of all categories of stamp papers throughout the division.
Residents expressed frustration over the disruption, highlighting the immediate impact on routine administrative processes. Nasir Ali and Muqaddas, two citizens attempting to obtain stamp papers for domicile documentation and electricity connection applications, said they had visited vendors repeatedly for two days but were unable to complete the process because the system was still offline. Legal representatives also warned that if the situation continues, pending cases and legal filings could face further delays.
Criticism also came from the legal community regarding the timing of the transition. Tariq Mahmood Sajid Awan, President of the District Bar Association, questioned why the previous mechanism was discontinued before the new digital platform was fully operational. According to the association, repeated changes in the stamp paper system without adequate preparation are creating uncertainty for lawyers and the public, particularly when essential legal procedures depend on the availability of stamp documentation.
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