Islamabad, February 19, 2025 (MLN) – In a bid to modernize and streamline the services offered to Pakistanis living abroad, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has directed the complete digitization of all Pakistani missions worldwide. This decision aims to enhance efficiency and provide quicker, more accessible services to the millions of overseas Pakistanis, ensuring they have the same level of convenience and transparency as domestic citizens.
The Prime Minister’s announcement was made during a Federal Cabinet meeting held in Islamabad, where he emphasized the need for embracing modern technology to improve the functioning of government offices and improve the delivery of consular services. As part of this initiative, he has called for the full implementation of the e-office system across all federal government ministries and departments by March 20, 2025.
In the meeting, the Cabinet was briefed on the significant progress made in the implementation of the e-office system within the federal government. According to the update, e-office usage across various divisions has already reached 98%, marking a significant milestone in the country’s ongoing efforts toward digital governance. The implementation is being gradually extended to allied and government departments, with a total of 176 institutions now utilizing the e-office system. Furthermore, the Cabinet was informed that 39 federal divisions have already achieved 100% adoption of the system.
The shift to digital platforms is a critical step in improving the overall governance framework and ensuring that official processes are streamlined and accessible. With this modernization drive, the government aims to eliminate outdated practices and reduce bureaucratic inefficiencies that have historically hindered the delivery of services. The digitization of Pakistani missions abroad will not only simplify processes for citizens living overseas but also bring greater transparency and accountability to consular services.
The Prime Minister’s push for digitization also highlights the government’s commitment to keeping pace with global technological advancements. By incorporating e-office systems, Pakistan will be able to enhance communication and coordination between its federal ministries and overseas missions. This system will facilitate more efficient document handling, faster communication, and a reduction in paperwork, ultimately benefiting the millions of overseas Pakistanis who rely on consular services for matters such as passport renewal, visa applications, and legal documentation.
Additionally, during the meeting, the Prime Minister shared some encouraging news regarding Pakistan’s ongoing relationship with Saudi Arabia. He disclosed that a letter from Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman confirmed the continuation of financial support through the Saudi Development Fund. The fund will maintain its contribution of $100 million per month for the next year, which will be allocated to the purchase of petroleum products on a deferred payment basis.
Expressing gratitude, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif acknowledged the vital role Saudi Arabia has played in supporting Pakistan through challenging economic periods. He highlighted that this long-standing partnership exemplifies the close ties between the two countries, reinforcing their continued cooperation in various sectors, including energy and trade.
The Prime Minister’s initiatives, both in digitizing Pakistani missions abroad and securing continued financial support from Saudi Arabia, underscore his government’s focus on enhancing service delivery and securing vital economic support to benefit the nation’s growth.
By advancing digital infrastructure and bolstering international relations, the government is aiming to position Pakistan for more streamlined and efficient global operations, ensuring that both local and international challenges are addressed swiftly and effectively.