In a major step towards digital governance, the Punjab government has officially launched an e-system in the Local Government Department under the directives of Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif. The initiative includes the implementation of e-auction, e-billing, and financial management systems, aimed at enhancing transparency and improving service delivery to citizens.
The inauguration ceremony was held at Lahore’s historic Town Hall, where Provincial Minister for Local Government Mian Zeeshan Rafique formally launched the system with a symbolic click on a computer screen. The event was attended by Local Government Secretary Shakeel Ahmed Mian, Lahore Deputy Commissioner Syed Musa Raza, and senior officials.
Speaking at the occasion, Minister Rafique said that the initiative reflects the Chief Minister's commitment to good governance, transparency, and citizen-centric service delivery. He stated that the Punjab Bank and the Punjab Information Technology Board (PITB) played key roles in the system’s development.
"The new e-billing system will allow citizens to make municipal payments from the comfort of their homes," the minister noted. "Additionally, pensions for retired local government employees have also been integrated into the system."
He directed relevant departments to immediately launch a public awareness campaign to familiarize citizens with the new services. The minister further emphasized the need to integrate the “Suthra Punjab”(Clean Punjab) program payments into the digital platform in due course.
Local Government Secretary Shakeel Ahmed Mian added that technical challenges would be addressed over time to ensure smooth operations. "This system will eliminate the need for citizens to visit municipal offices for routine matters — most services will now be available online," he said.
As a gesture of appreciation, commemorative souvenirs and certificates were distributed among the officials and team members involved in the development and implementation of the system.
The launch is seen as a practical step towards *Digital Punjab*, aligning with the provincial government's broader agenda to modernize public service delivery through technology.
