Switch to new digital stamp system disrupts court operations

ISLAMABAD: A sudden shift from the previous e-stamp system to a new digital stamp platform has caused significant disruptions in court proceedings, leading to frustration among lawyers and the general public, according to information provided by The Express Tribune.

The abrupt transition, which took place without prior notice, has left many legal professionals and citizens unable to access essential stamp papers required for various legal processes. As a result, court operations in several areas have been severely affected, with cases being delayed and routine legal work coming to a halt.

Lawyers have expressed their dismay over the situation, stating that the lack of coordination and planning in implementing the new system has created unnecessary hurdles. Residents who rely on stamp papers for property transactions, affidavits, and other documentation have also faced difficulties, as the new digital platform has not yet been fully operational or accessible to all users.

The previous e-stamp system was widely used and understood by both legal professionals and the public. The sudden replacement of this system has led to confusion and a backlog of pending legal work. Many lawyers have called for immediate action to resolve the issues and restore normalcy in court operations.

The report further notes that the authorities have not provided a clear timeline for when the new digital stamp system will be fully functional and accessible to all stakeholders. In the meantime, legal practitioners and citizens continue to face challenges in completing routine legal transactions.

The situation has prompted calls for better planning and communication from the relevant departments to ensure that such disruptions do not occur in the future. Stakeholders have urged the authorities to address the technical issues with the new system and provide adequate support to users during the transition period.