The Competition Commission of Pakistan (CCP) and the Public Procurement Regulatory Authority (PPRA) have taken a significant step toward enhancing transparency, accountability, and fairness in public procurement processes by signing an addendum to their existing Memorandum of Understanding (MoU). This partnership focuses on utilizing the E-Pak Acquisition and Disposal System (e-PADS) to detect and prevent collusive practices and bid rigging, ensuring efficient use of public resources.
The agreement was formalized on January 1, 2025, during a ceremony held at the CCP Head Office in Islamabad. The MoU was signed by CCP Chairman Dr. Kabir Ahmed Sidhu and PPRA Managing Director Hasnat Ahmed Qureshi, in the presence of senior officials, including CCP Member Mr. Salman Amin and PPRA Project Director (e-PADS) Mr. Sheikh Afzaal Raza.
Leveraging e-PADS for Transparent Procurement
The e-PADS platform, Pakistan’s federal e-procurement system administered by PPRA, has become a cornerstone in streamlining procurement processes across all federal government departments. By mandating its use for all federal public sector organizations, the system aims to eliminate inefficiencies and promote accountability in procurement.
Under the partnership, PPRA will share real-time e-PADS data with CCP to monitor suspicious procurement activities. This collaboration aligns with Section 4(e) of the Competition Act, 2010, which empowers CCP to combat collusive tendering and anti-competitive practices.
Key Benefits of the Partnership
Real-Time Monitoring:
The integration of e-PADS data enables CCP to detect bid rigging and collusive practices swiftly, ensuring fair competition.Transparency and Accountability:
The partnership bolsters efforts to uphold transparency in public sector procurements, reinforcing public trust in national resources.Enhanced Efficiency:
The digitization of procurement processes through e-PADS minimizes manual errors and inefficiencies, fostering better governance.
Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP):
KP Agriculture Minister Sajjad Barakwal underscored the importance of agriculture for the province’s 80% rural population, contributing 22% to KP’s GDP. Digital tools were provided to streamline data collection.Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK):
In Muzaffarabad, AJK Agriculture Minister Sardar Mir Akbar highlighted the significance of precise agricultural data for effective government planning. Digital tools will document land size, crop patterns, and livestock numbers.
Statements from Leadership
Dr. Kabir Ahmed Sidhu, Chairman CCP, described the initiative as a pivotal move to ensure fairness and efficiency in the use of public resources. He highlighted the importance of data sharing in combating anti-competitive practices and safeguarding the integrity of procurement processes.
Hasnat Ahmed Qureshi, Managing Director of PPRA, emphasized the transformative impact of e-PADS in promoting transparency and accountability. He asserted that the platform is integral to curbing malpractices and ensuring the efficient utilization of resources in federal procurements.
A Collaborative Vision
This enhanced collaboration between CCP and PPRA underscores the government’s commitment to transforming public procurement through digital innovation. By leveraging advanced tools and data-sharing mechanisms, the initiative seeks to eliminate cartelization, promote healthy competition, and align with the Prime Minister’s vision for a transparent and competitive public procurement system.
The partnership is expected to set new benchmarks for governance, ensuring that Pakistan’s public resources are managed efficiently and fairly.