KARACHI: Caretaker Sindh Chief Minister Justice (retd) Maqbool Bakar has launched an innovative e-procurement system to overcome inefficiencies, cut costs, and enhance transparency in the provincial government.
Addressing the audience at the launching ceremony of the ‘e-Procurement System’ named E-Pak Acquisition and Disposal System (EPDS) at a local hotel, Chief Minister Bakar recognized the dedication behind developing and implementing the system. He highlighted that digitizing and automating various tasks would streamline procurement cycles, reduce processing time, and minimize errors.
Minister of Law and Chairman of Sindh Public Procurement Regulatory Authority (SPPRA) Omar Soomro, along with dignitaries including DG Federal PPRA Maqbool Gondal, DG SPPRA Zubair Parvez, Director SPPRA Shadiya Jaffer, and secretaries from various departments attended the event.
The chief minister underscored the collective effort from the provincial government, civil society, and stakeholders, emphasizing that the e-procurement system marked a new chapter in their pursuit of efficiency, transparency, and innovation.
He acknowledged the evolving landscape of technology globally and emphasized that embracing innovation was not merely an option but a necessity. The implementation of the e-procurement system reflected the government’s commitment to leveraging technology for improved operations and better outcomes.
Expressing commendation for the initiative undertaken by SPPRA, supported by the World Bank and Federal PPRA, the chief minister highlighted its goal to enhance transparency, equity, and competitiveness in public procurement processes.
The Sindh Public Procurement Regulatory Authority (SPPRA) celebrated the successful launch of its state-of-the-art Electronic Procurement System, marking a leap forward in transparent, efficient, and accountable public procurement processes. The initiative underscores SPPRA’s commitment to modernizing procurement practices and ensuring greater transparency, fairness, and competitiveness in the procurement landscape.
Key Features of the E-Procurement System
User-Friendly Interface: Boasting an intuitive design, the e-procurement system offers a user-friendly interface, simplifying the procurement journey for both government entities and suppliers.
Real-Time Monitoring & Reporting: Stakeholders now have access to real-time monitoring and reporting features, providing instant updates on procurement data, bid status, and project developments.
Digital Document Management: The system enables secure and efficient management of procurement documents, reducing paperwork, minimizing errors, and enhancing document traceability.
Automated Bidding Process: Streamlining workflows, the e-procurement system automates the entire bidding process, from announcement to bid submission and evaluation, ensuring a fair and competitive environment.
Enhanced Security Measures: Robust security protocols have been implemented to safeguard sensitive procurement data, ensuring the integrity of the e-procurement system.
Law Minister & Chairman SPPRA, Omar Soomro, expressed confidence in the system’s efficiency and transparency, highlighting that the introduction would eliminate complaints against tender form refusals. He noted that while the implementation of such systems ideally falls under provincial governments’ purview, the World Bank’s recommendation prompted their proactive digitalization efforts.
MD SPPRA, Zubair Pervez Ahmed, briefed the chief minister, emphasizing the significance of the e-procurement system in revolutionizing public procurement in Sindh. DG Federal PPRA, Maqbool Gondal, and Shadiya Jaffer also shared insights during the launch event.
