Maryam Nawaz Sharif's Punjab Model

E-Governance and a Corruption-Free System

As the Punjab Government completes two years in office this February, the moment invites a measured assessment of governance under Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif — one grounded not in slogans but in outcomes. In a province as large and administratively complex as Punjab, the credibility of any government rests on its ability to translate intent into delivery. Public welfare, transparent development, and institutional efficiency remain the true benchmarks of leadership, and it is against these standards that the Punjab government's record is increasingly being judged.

Over the past two years, the Punjab Government has pursued a governance model that places technology, transparency, and service delivery at the centre of public administration. Rather than relying on ad hoc initiatives, the focus has been on structural reform — particularly through the integration of digital systems across government departments. This shift toward e-governance aims to modernise state institutions, reduce discretionary power, and align provincial administration with contemporary global practices. As a result, Punjab's governance framework is now being referenced by other provinces and examined by policy practitioners beyond Pakistan.

A notable feature of the Punjab government has been its emphasis on execution. While government leaders used to announce projects that stalled at the planning stage, the CM Punjab has prioritized initiatives designed for completion within defined timelines. The approach reflects a move away from symbolic politics toward measurable performance. Developments in public transport, agriculture, education, and administrative reform point to a governance style focused on visible results.

Central to this transformation has been the recognition that effective governance in the modern era depends on robust digital infrastructure. Under the direction of Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif, Punjab's public institutions have undergone a systematic transition from manual, paper-based processes to integrated digital platforms. Key administrative functions — ranging from ACRs and leave management to postings, transfers, and pension cases — have been consolidated under the e-Filing and Office Automation System. These reforms have not only improved internal efficiency but have also strengthened oversight and accountability.

The introduction of e-FOAS and e-procurement has fundamentally altered the pace and transparency of government operations. The traditional file culture, long associated with delays and inefficiencies, has been replaced by paperless workflows that allow real-time tracking and monitoring. Development projects are assessed against predefined schedules, reducing cost overruns and minimising the lapse of funds. This shift has encouraged a performance-oriented culture within the bureaucracy, reinforcing discipline in both planning and execution.

To further enhance transparency, third-party validation of development schemes has been made mandatory. This mechanism ensures that public funds are utilised not only efficiently but also responsibly. In parallel, the launch of the e-Biz Portal has simplified regulatory processes for businesses by enabling online acquisition of No Objection Certificates. By eliminating repeated office visits and discretionary decision-making, the portal has reduced opportunities for corruption while improving the ease of doing business in the province.

Digitization has also reshaped the functioning of the Civil Secretariat and government offices across Punjab. The conversion of paper-based workflows into digital systems has generated significant savings in administrative costs while improving record management and institutional memory. Through e-FOAS, files are digitally monitored, and delays are automatically flagged to senior management, allowing timely intervention and corrective action. This level of oversight represents a substantive step toward responsive and accountable governance.

Public procurement reforms have followed a similarly comprehensive path. The entire procurement cycle — from advertisement to bid submission and contract award — has been digitized through e-Tendering. The system enforces compliance with procurement rules, safeguards data integrity, and minimises human intervention. Open access to tender information and digital bidding has promoted competition and transparency, resulting in notable savings for the public exchequer. To support this transition, 14,216 officials from 6,641 different offices across Punjab have been trained in e-procurement procedures.