Islamabad: The Federal Public Procurement Regulatory Authority (PPRA) and the Gilgit-Baltistan Public Procurement Regulatory Authority (GBPPRA) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding to roll out the e-Pakistan Acquisition and Disposal System (EPADS) in Gilgit-Baltistan. The agreement marks a significant step towards enhancing procurement processes in the region.

According to Radio Pakistan, the MoU was signed by Project Director EPADS, PPRA, Sheikh Afzal Raza, and Managing Director and Secretary Finance GBPPRA, Najeeb Alam. The ceremony was witnessed by Managing Director Federal PPRA, Hasnat Ahmed Qureshi, and Chief Secretary Gilgit-Baltistan, Abrar Ahmed Mirza.

Speaking on the occasion, Managing Director PPRA Hasnat Ahmed Qureshi stated that the nationwide expansion of EPADS is part of the Prime Minister’s Economic Governance Reform Programme. He mentioned that the initiative aligns with the Prime Minister’s Digital Pakistan Vision, which aims to promote transparency, competition, and accountability in public procurement while ensuring efficient use of public resources. He assured full technical support for the system’s implementation in Gilgit-Baltistan.

Chief Secretary Gilgit-Baltistan Abrar Ahmed Mirza described the initiative as a major step towards procurement reforms in the region. He highlighted that EPADS would make government procurement more transparent, fair, and efficient and emphasized the need for continued coordination and technical assistance from the federal authority.

Under the MoU, EPADS will be formally rolled out in Gilgit-Baltistan. In the initial phase, comprehensive training programmes will be conducted for officers and departmental teams to ensure smooth adoption of the system.

At the conclusion of the ceremony, Managing Director PPRA presented a commemorative shield to the Chief Secretary Gilgit-Baltistan.