Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif chaired a high-level meeting in Lahore to review the new e-Business Project. The initiative aims to ensure paperless governance and promote digital transformation across Punjab. Expressing satisfaction over the project’s successful launch, she directed all departments to complete e-Business processes within two weeks. She also ordered that all NOCs and approvals be issued under one roof to speed up facilitation for businesses.
Maryam Nawaz instructed all stakeholders to review pending applications weekly for quick decisions. She directed them to process all cases within fixed deadlines. To accelerate the initiative, the Punjab Information Technology Board (PITB) was told to set up a dedicated e-Business Cell. Moreover, assistance desks will be established in Deputy Commissioners’ offices to support business owners unfamiliar with online systems.
Officials informed the Chief Minister that departments ensuring quick decisions on e-Business applications would receive higher performance scores. Maryam Nawaz announced that she would personally chair review meetings every 15 days to monitor progress. She stated that eliminating red tape and promoting transparency are her top priorities. “Ending bureaucratic hurdles is my mission, and e-Business will bring overnight change,” she said.
Highlighting flaws in the previous system, Maryam Nawaz noted that obtaining business NOCs once took years, discouraging investment. She said Pakistan holds vast potential for new businesses, but systemic inefficiencies must be fixed first. The Chief Minister emphasized that restoring public trust in governance and encouraging entrepreneurship are essential for economic growth. She added that the government must act as a nurturing force for every citizen.
Maryam Nawaz warned that corruption or negligence in the new system would not be tolerated. She vowed to ensure the project’s success on a war footing. PITB Chairman briefed that the e-Business Portal has received 2,878 applications, with 1,130 already approved. A British-Pakistani entrepreneur shared that he received his NOC within 24 hours and praised the CM’s efforts for transforming business facilitation in Punjab.
Read More : E-taxi project in Punjab: 1100 electric vehicles to be provided in interest-free instalments
To combat environmental pollution and improve modern transport services, the Punjab government has approved the launch of its first e-taxi project.
At a high-level meeting chaired by Transport Minister BIlal Akbar Khan, officials reviewed the project’s progress, vehicle types, pricing, and technical details. The discussion also included the development of charging stations and related infrastructure.
In the first phase, 1,100 electric taxis will be offered in interest-free, easy instalments. The application criteria will be kept simple and accessible. A formal launch and public advertisement are expected in the coming weeks.
