Senate questions PPRA over ePADS security and transparency

Islamabad: The Public Procurement Regulatory Authority (PPRA) came under Senate scrutiny as lawmakers raised concerns over transparency, cybersecurity and accountability in Pakistan’s public procurement system.

During a meeting of the Senate Standing Committee on Cabinet Secretariat, members questioned whether the country’s new digital procurement system was strong enough to protect government contracts, public money and sensitive information.

The committee, chaired by Senator Rana Mahmood ul Hassan, reviewed PPRA’s performance and examined reforms aimed at improving how government departments purchase goods and services.

The Managing Director of PPRA informed the committee that the Electronic Pakistan Acquisition and Disposal System, known as ePADS 2.0, has been introduced to make government procurement more transparent and reduce the chances of irregularities.

Officials said the digital system now covers the complete procurement process, starting from planning until the final award of contracts.

The committee was informed that Standard Bidding Documents have been added to the system to ensure all government departments follow the same procedures and prevent unauthorised changes in tender documents.

Officials also informed lawmakers that payments made outside the ePADS system are no longer accepted, making the process more controlled and financially accountable. However, committee members raised questions about the electronic procurement platform’s cybersecurity, data protection, and overall safety.

Lawmakers questioned how the system protects sensitive procurement information and whether Pakistan’s digital procurement framework matches international standards. The committee directed PPRA to provide a detailed briefing on the cybersecurity measures, encryption methods and data protection systems used in ePADS.

Members also asked PPRA to compare Pakistan’s cybersecurity practices with leading international procurement systems to identify areas where improvements are needed.

The committee stressed that a digital system can only succeed if it remains secure, reliable and protected from possible cyber threats. During the meeting, members also questioned the difference between manual and electronic procurement, the time required to complete procurement processes and the method used to select successful bidders.

PPRA officials explained that contracts are awarded through the Most Advantageous Bid evaluation system. Officials said the relevant government departments decide technical requirements and qualification standards according to procurement rules.

The committee was informed that complaints related to procurement decisions are handled through a formal grievance system before parties can approach courts or other legal forums.

The committee also discussed government procurement during emergency situations, especially the purchase of fuel and essential goods during changing conditions in the Middle East.

PPRA officials clarified that no special exemption was provided for emergency purchases. They informed the committee that existing Public Procurement Rule 21A already provides a legal method for urgent procurement during supply shortages or emergency requirements.

The committee also reviewed draft regulations for the disposal of public assets. Officials informed members that the Disposal of Public Assets Regulations 2026 have been prepared according to the updated procurement framework and ePADS requirements.

A special disposal module has also been developed within ePADS to ensure public assets are disposed of through a transparent process. The committee directed PPRA to continue improving procurement standards, expand vendor training across Pakistan and strengthen the overall digital procurement system.

Members said better procurement management is important because government spending directly affects public services and national development. The committee also expressed concern over the Islamabad Club Administrator’s absence during the meeting despite the session being held at the club.

Members recommended that Islamabad Club elections should be conducted according to rules and decided to raise the matter with the Prime Minister’s Office. The committee further expressed dissatisfaction over the National Vocational and Technical Training Commission’s failure to follow previous committee directives.

Members recommended referring the matter to the Privileges Committee and informing the Prime Minister about the issue.