**Punjab Launches Integrated E-Governance System to Boost Transparency and Public Convenience**
The Punjab Local Government Department has launched an integrated E-Auction, E-Billing, and Financial Management System aimed at improving transparency, efficiency, and public convenience in municipal services. This major step toward digital governance follows the directives of Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz and is expected to significantly modernize the province’s public service delivery.
The new system was formally inaugurated at an event held in Lahore’s Town Hall, where Provincial Minister for Local Government, Zeeshan Rafiq, officially activated the platform. The ceremony was attended by senior officials including Secretary Local Government Shakeel Ahmad Mian and Deputy Commissioner Syed Musa Raza.
Addressing the gathering, Minister Rafiq highlighted that Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz considers transparency in governance a top priority and he expressed confidence that the e-system would streamline municipal operations while granting citizens easy access to essential services. “This e-system will bring efficiency, transparency, and public ease in municipal services,” he stated.
The development of the new platform was carried out with technical assistance from the Bank of Punjab and the Punjab Information Technology Board (PITB). A key feature is the E-Billing System, which enables citizens to conveniently pay fees online, eliminating the need for in-person visits to municipal offices. Additionally, retired department employees will now receive their pensions through the digital platform, further extending the reach and impact of the system.
Minister Rafiq also instructed the immediate launch of a public awareness campaign to inform citizens about the new services and directed that municipal payments under the Suthra Punjab (Clean Punjab) initiative be integrated into the digital system.
Secretary Local Government Shakeel Ahmad Mian tasked the development team with linking the Suthra Punjab survey to the e-system, assuring that any initial technical challenges will be addressed progressively. “Citizens will no longer have to visit municipal offices in person,” he emphasized.
The event concluded with acknowledgments for the contributions of the Secretary and the development team, with souvenirs and certificates of appreciation presented to key personnel involved in the digitization effort. This new system signals a significant move toward digital governance and improved public service delivery across Punjab.
