PPRA E-PADS vs Manual Tendering: Shocking Differences.

Inside Pakistan’s Procurement System: How PPRA & EPADS Aim to Bring Transparency—But Is It Enough?
By Nauman Haider | Special Report

ISLAMABAD – Behind every road built, classroom renovated, or government laptop delivered, lies a complex and often misunderstood process—public procurement. In Pakistan, this multi-billion-rupee system is governed by the Public Procurement Regulatory Authority (PPRA), which sets rules to ensure fair competition, transparency, and value for money.

But how well is the system functioning on the ground? And how much has technology like EPADS improved things?

The Process: From Need to Completion
The procurement journey begins with identifying a need and drafting an Annual Procurement Plan (APP). Once budget approval is secured, tenders are advertised—either manually or digitally. Bids are received, opened publicly, evaluated on technical and financial grounds, and finally, contracts are awarded.

“This step-by-step process is designed to prevent misuse of public funds,” said a former government procurement officer. “But loopholes remain—especially in manual systems.”

Manual Tendering: Still a Risky Necessity
Despite the push for digitalization, manual tendering is still widely used, particularly in underdeveloped regions and emergency projects. In these cases, hard copy bids, phone calls, and in-person meetings dominate.

“Manual processes are slow, costly, and prone to manipulation,” said an Islamabad-based civil engineer familiar with PPRA procedures. “Lost documents and selective communication with bidders are real problems.”

EPADS: A Digital Leap Forward
To combat these issues, the PPRA launched the Electronic Procurement and Asset Disposal System (EPADS). This platform allows real-time posting of:

Standard Bidding Documents (SBDs)

Tender Notices

Bid Evaluation Reports

Procurement Plans

Contract Awards

It also hosts standardized forms, templates, and guidelines, aiming to create a level playing field for suppliers nationwide.

“EPADS enhances transparency, cuts down processing time, and reduces human error,” a PPRA official told Daily Munsarim. “But adoption has been slower in certain departments.”

Challenges Remain
While EPADS has the potential to revolutionize public procurement, digital illiteracy among suppliers, poor internet connectivity, and resistance to change continue to hamper its full implementation.

Furthermore, despite clear procurement rules, many departments still fail to upload evaluation reports or award details in time, raising concerns about hidden favoritism or manipulated bidding.

Conclusion: A System in Transition
Pakistan’s public procurement landscape is evolving. With PPRA guidelines and EPADS in place, the foundation for clean, accountable spending exists. Yet, without strict enforcement and wider digital adoption, the gap between policy and practice remains a serious concern.

As billions continue to be spent on public contracts, one question lingers: Is Pakistan truly buying smart—or just spending blindfolded? #ppra #epads #islamabad #rawalpindi #cantonment #pmshehbazsharif #cabinet #procurement