Citizens hope to see expansion of e-payment

Say system is blessing for traffic fine payments

PESHAWAR: Ever since the e-payment system was introduced in 2010, commuters, among others, have been counting their blessings due to its convenience. Now, locals want to see the same system implemented in other departments for essential payments.

The provincial government, in collaboration with private company A2Z E-Payments, established an integrated electronic facility in Peshawar and other areas.



Wisal Khan, a resident of Peshawar who rides a motorcycle on a daily basis, says the Ticket Traffic Management System (TTMS) increased the degree of interaction between the government and citizens and eliminated corruption involved in the collection of traffic fines.

“Most importantly, TTMS saves citizens from the hassle of visiting multiple offices to make mandatory payments,” he says.

According to Wisal, there is no longer a need to stand in long queues and payments can be made at any convenient store.

“The e-payment service should be extended to all public departments so that commuters do not suffer,” he adds. Speaking to The Express Tribune, Hamayun Khan, a traffic policeman, says the TTMS was implemented in 21 districts across K-P and was operating without any glitches.

It has automated all tasks related to traffic fines at over 500 retail outlets, including police payment points. The violators will have the option to pay the fine immediately and drive away.

According to data available on the department’s website, revenue of over Rs10.2 million has been generated through the system.



Another citizen said many exchanges of payments between the citizens and the government are mandated. These include payment of traffic fines, arms licence fees, and other utility bills.

“Citizens are forced to visit multiple offices to fulfill their obligations,” he says. “This leads to precious time being lost and affects the productivity of the nation as a whole.”

A2Z E-payments Chief Executive Officer Shakirullah says the purpose of the setup in Pakistan is to advance towards digitalisation so that public sector efficiency is improved.

He says e-payments can reduce corruption, increase access to information in this globalised era, reduce contact with public officials and ensure equal treatment.

He adds it will also make sure that government services are available to citizens 24 hours a day. “It can also lead to multiple benefits, including improved security and transparency, reduction of leakage or waste, and improved cost and efficiencies,” he concludes.

Published in The Express Tribune, July 11^th, 2016.