EPADS 2.0 Pakistan Public Procurement Ushers in a New Era of Transparency

EPADS 2.0 Pakistan Public Procurement is set to redefine how government procurement operates, as the Public Procurement Regulatory Authority (PPRA) rolls out sweeping reforms aligned with the Prime Minister’s Digital Pakistan Vision and international best practices.

At the core of this transformation is the evolution of the e-Pak Acquisition and Disposal System (EPADS), which has already digitized procurement across the federal government and multiple provinces. With the upcoming launch of EPADS 2.0, Pakistan is entering a more advanced, data-driven, and transparent procurement era.

PPRA’s Reform Agenda Behind EPADS 2.0 Pakistan Public Procurement

According to PPRA Managing Director Hasnat Ahmed Qureshi, the reform programme was launched in 2024 following a comprehensive diagnostic review conducted by local and international consultants. The initiative gained momentum after the Prime Minister approved a detailed reform roadmap.

The reforms are wide-ranging and focus on modernizing procurement through digital systems, legal amendments, institutional restructuring, and capacity building. Together, these measures aim to eliminate inefficiencies and restore trust in public spending.

EPADS Adoption and Digital Impact Across Pakistan

EPADS has already demonstrated significant impact across Pakistan’s procurement landscape. The platform is currently used by thousands of government entities and suppliers nationwide.

In practical terms, this means that nearly 10,000 procuring agencies and around 43,000 suppliers, including close to 600 foreign vendors, are actively operating on EPADS. During FY2024–25 alone, procurement transactions worth Rs1.41 trillion were processed digitally, representing over 526,000 procurement activities.

This shift has significantly reduced manual paperwork, shortened procurement timelines, and enhanced auditability across public sector projects.

Institutional Integration Strengthening EPADS 2.0 Pakistan Public Procurement

A defining feature of EPADS 2.0 Pakistan Public Procurement is its deep institutional integration. The system is fully connected with key national bodies, enabling real-time verification and oversight.

EPADS integrates seamlessly with the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR), NADRA, and the Securities and Exchange Commission of Pakistan (SECP), while also linking to the Pakistan Engineering Council (PEC), Financial Accounting and Budgeting System (FABS), Provincial Revenue Authorities, and DRAP.

Oversight institutions such as the Auditor General of Pakistan, NAB, and the Competition Commission of Pakistan now have access to real-time dashboards, strengthening accountability and minimizing governance risks.

Boosting Competition and Curbing Collusion Through EPADS

One of the most tangible benefits of EPADS 2.0 Pakistan Public Procurement is improved competition. Open tenders now attract an average of five to seven bidders, compared to just two to three bidders under the previous manual system.

The platform also captures petty purchases and requests for quotations, enforces blacklisting rules, flags procurement delays, and provides an effective grievance redressal mechanism. For high-value projects, EPADS enables live streaming of bids, ensuring transparency for procurements exceeding Rs500 million for goods and services and Rs1 billion for works.

EPADS 2.0 Rollout Timeline and Future Enhancements

PPRA has outlined a phased rollout for EPADS 2.0 Pakistan Public Procurement. The federal launch is scheduled for January 2026, followed by Gilgit-Baltistan and AJK in February, and a full provincial rollout in March 2026.

Advanced monitoring and analytical reporting tools will be introduced by July 2026, while donor-funded procurements will be fully routed through EPADS by September 2026. Additional milestones include the launch of an Online Procurement Academy in October and adoption of Open Contracting Data Standards (OCDS) by December 2026.

Regulatory Reforms Supporting EPADS 2.0 Pakistan Public Procurement

To support digital transformation, PPRA is amending the PPRA Ordinance 2002 and finalizing the Public Procurement Rules 2025. These rules mandate e-procurement and e-disposal, introduce independent grievance redressal, require third-party oversight, and promote professional procurement cells across government entities.

These regulatory changes aim to remove ambiguity, ensure fairness, and enhance efficiency across the procurement cycle.

Capacity Building and Institutional Strengthening

Capacity development remains central to EPADS 2.0 Pakistan Public Procurement reforms. More than 10,000 officials have already been trained, including nearly 2,500 officials and suppliers during FY2024–25 alone. Training partnerships include NUST, LUMS, IBA, and Air University.

PPRA has also strengthened its institutional capacity by hiring technical experts, digitizing internal operations, establishing a modern EPADS training facility, and launching a 16-hour dedicated help desk for continuous system support.

EPADS 2.0 Sets New Standards for Procurement Governance

The launch of EPADS 2.0 Pakistan Public Procurement marks a decisive step toward modern, transparent, and accountable public procurement governance. By embedding technology, regulatory clarity, and professional capacity across the procurement lifecycle, PPRA is strengthening Pakistan’s credibility and aligning it with international standards.

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