Science Ministry Urges Subordinate Departments to Implement E-Office Before Deadline

The Ministry of Science and Technology has directed its 16 subordinate departments and organizations to ensure the swift implementation of the E-Office system.

In a formal communication, Secretary Science and Technology has urged the departments to adopt digital tools to enhance operational efficiency. The move comes in response to a directive from the Prime Minister’s Office, which has set January 14 as the deadline for submission of compliance reports.

The instructions were sent to key organizations, including the Pakistan Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (PCSIR), Pakistan Science Foundation, Pakistan Council for Science and Technology, Pakistan Engineering Council, NUST, NUTECH, and others. Institutions such as COMSATS University, PSQCA, and the Pakistan Halal Authority have also been directed to expedite the transition to digital systems.

The ministry’s communication referenced the Prime Minister’s Office’s January 7 letter, which stressed the urgency of implementing E-Office across all federal ministries.

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has been a strong advocate of digital transformation in government operations. He has repeatedly emphasized the need for federal ministries to move away from physical communication and adopt E-Office systems to ensure transparency, reduce delays, and streamline processes.

The Prime Minister has also expressed his dissatisfaction over the slow progress in some ministries, reiterating that digitalization is a cornerstone of efficient governance.

Despite these directives, sources reveal that the Ministry of Science and Technology itself is lagging in implementing E-Office. Some departments under the ministry reportedly lack the infrastructure required for the digital transition, raising concerns about whether the ministry can meet the January 14 deadline.