Punjab moves 252 government services online as E-Biz portal processes over 44,000 applications

LAHORE: The Punjab government has shifted 252 government services to digital platforms as part of its ongoing push to accelerate e-governance across the province, with the E-Biz portal alone having processed more than 44,000 applications.

Digital transformation in Punjab

The move to bring 252 government services online represents a significant step in Punjab's digital transformation agenda, aimed at streamlining bureaucratic processes and improving accessibility for citizens and businesses alike. The initiative is part of a broader effort to reduce in-person visits to government offices and cut down on red tape that has historically slowed down service delivery in the province.

The E-Biz portal, a key component of this digital drive, has already handled over 44,000 applications, reflecting growing public engagement with the platform. The portal is designed to facilitate business-related government services, enabling entrepreneurs and companies to complete regulatory requirements through a single online interface rather than navigating multiple government departments.

Accelerating the digital push

The digitisation of 252 services marks a considerable expansion of Punjab's online governance infrastructure. By moving these services to digital platforms, the provincial government aims to enhance transparency, reduce processing times, and minimise opportunities for corruption that can arise in face-to-face dealings with government officials.

The volume of applications processed through the E-Biz portal — surpassing the 44,000 mark — indicates that businesses and citizens are increasingly adopting the digital route for their interactions with the government. The portal serves as a one-stop solution for various business-related approvals and regulatory clearances, simplifying what was previously a cumbersome process involving multiple departments and lengthy paperwork.

The shift towards digital governance in Punjab is part of a wider trend across Pakistan, where provincial and federal governments have been investing in technology-driven solutions to improve public service delivery and promote ease of doing business. The successful processing of tens of thousands of applications through the E-Biz portal suggests that the digital infrastructure is gaining traction among users in the province.