ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif said on Saturday the digitization of government ministries and subordinate departments would save Pakistan billions of rupees and ensure transparency while presiding over a meeting to review the transition to electronic-office (E-Office).
This initiative is part of a broader plan to make the governance structure leaner and more efficient, held shortly after discussions on the rationalization of state expenses before Wednesday’s federal budget presentation.
“The main purpose of using E-Office is to provide the public with better services and bring transparency to the government system,” Sharif told at the meeting. “The use of paper will be minimized, which will also have positive effects on the environment. The transition to E-Office will save billions of rupees for the national treasury.”
The prime minister instructed relevant authorities to make E-Office user-friendly and secure.
He also urged speeding up progress on a cooperation agreement with the Chinese technology company Huawei in this connection, which he discussed during his recent five-day visit to China.
These meetings to reform government structure and operations come at a critical time when Pakistan faces large and persistent fiscal deficits that contribute to macroeconomic instability.
The issue is significant as the government seeks another International Monetary Fund (IMF) bailout, where reducing government expenses could help reallocate funds to more pressing economic issues.

ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Saturday held a telephonic conversation with Qatar’s emir, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani, and conveyed him Eid Al-Adha greetings, Sharif’s office said.
Several Muslim countries, mainly in the Middle East, will celebrate the three-day Eid Al-Adha, the Feast of the Sacrifice, this week, while others will mark the occasion on Monday. It commemorates Prophet Ibrahim’s willingness to sacrifice his son, Ismail, as recounted in the Holy Qur’an.
During his conversation, the prime minister extended warm greetings and best wishes to the emir, the government, and the brotherly people of Qatar on behalf of the government and the people of Pakistan.
“The two leaders exchanged views on the importance of Eid ul Adha, which symbolizes sacrifice, compassion, and unity,” Sharif’s office said in a statement.
“Both leaders also spoke about the plight of the brave and innocent people of Palestine and urged the international community to redouble peace efforts and ensure an immediate end to violence and bloodshed in the region.”
The prime minister and the Qatari emir reaffirmed the strong bond of friendship and brotherhood between both countries and discussed ways to further strengthen bilateral relations and cooperation in various fields.
“The Prime Minister expressed his appreciation for Qatar’s support and cooperation with Pakistan, particularly in the areas of trade, investment, and labor,” the statement read.
“The two leaders agreed to continue to work together to promote peace, stability, and prosperity in the region and beyond.”
Sharif thanked the Qatari emir for accepting the invitation to undertake an official visit to Pakistan and said the dates of his visit would be worked out soon.
Islamabad signed several agreements and letters of intent with Qatari companies in January this year to enhance employment opportunities for Pakistani workers in Qatar.
In 2021, the Qatari government announced conditional arrival visas for Pakistani nationals, while Qatar established an air bridge and sent urgent aid to Pakistan including food, tents and hygiene kits after the 2022 floods.