PPRA Launches Digital E-Procurement Across 9,300 Agencies

ISLAMABAD: The Public Procurement Regulatory Authority (PPRA) has implemented a comprehensive digital e-Procurement system across over 9,300 public agencies, representing a pivotal reform in Pakistan’s public sector purchasing framework to enhance transparency and efficiency in governance.

Managing Director PPRA Hasnat Ahmed Qureshi, during a press briefing in Islamabad, highlighted the e-Pakistan Acquisition and Disposal System (EPADS), which revolutionizes government procurement through end-to-end digitization, real-time alerts, dynamic bid evaluation, and free supplier registration. “Launched in March 2023, EPADS now operates across 9,314 federal and provincial procuring agencies, including major ministries and departments,” Qureshi stated. “To date, 39,553 suppliers—comprising 527 foreign firms, 1,792 women-led enterprises, and over 4,000 SMEs—have registered on the platform.”

He noted that e-Procurement can yield cost savings of up to 25%, as validated by the Asian Development Bank (ADB) and OECD. Emphasizing that public procurement constitutes 15–20% of GDP in developing economies, Qureshi underscored the critical need for reforms to promote fiscal transparency and good governance.

Qureshi announced that amendments to the PPRA Ordinance have been finalized, with the Public Procurement Rules 2025 awaiting final approval. These introduce an independent grievance redressal mechanism, accelerated “gallop tendering”, expert accreditation, third-party evaluation, and clearly delineated roles for procuring agencies. Procurement cells staffed by trained professionals are being established across federal agencies to handle planning, market analysis, bid preparation, and contract management.

PPRA has forged MoUs with Punjab, Sindh, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Azad Jammu and Kashmir, and federal bodies like NADRA, FBR, and SECP to enable real-time data integration and regulatory compliance. “A dedicated help desk and YouTube support channel have been activated to assist users and resolve technical issues,” he added.

Focusing on capacity building, Qureshi revealed that PPRA’s Capacity Building Wing conducted 46 nationwide training sessions last year, training 1,734 participants in public procurement rules and EPADS usage. This included two-day sessions for 470 officials, customized training for 550 employees, specialized e-disposal training, a three-day certification for 186 officials, a five-day Master Trainers Program for 248 professionals, a one-week certificate course at LUMS, IBA, and NUST for 104 officials and vendors, and a four-month diploma in Public Procurement and Contract Management at NUST for 148 graduates.

PPRA is collaborating with the World Bank, ADB, UNDP, International Training Centre of the ILO, and Chartered Institute of Procurement & Supply to develop standardized training modules, a competency framework, and an online academy for government officials and procuring agencies. MoUs with the Competition Commission of Pakistan (CCP), National Accountability Bureau (NAB), and SECP further enhance regulatory alignment and oversight.

Qureshi outlined PPRA’s roadmap to integrate Artificial Intelligence and Business Intelligence tools for data analysis, reinforce monitoring mechanisms, and complete EPADS’ nationwide rollout. He acknowledged ongoing change management and capacity challenges but affirmed they will be resolved for seamless adoption.

“PPRA is steadfast in promoting transparency, efficiency, and innovation in public procurement, ensuring every rupee delivers maximum value to Pakistan’s people,” the Managing Director concluded.