Digital stamping to boost transparency

Citizens can now generate and verify stamp papers online instantly

ISLAMABAD:

The federal capital has introduced e-stamping across Islamabad, shifting the issuance of stamp papers to a digital portal in a move aimed at preventing misuse and ensuring greater transparency.

A spokesman for the Islamabad Capital Territory (ICT) administration said the initiative was designed to close loopholes associated with manual stamp papers and to provide a clear, verifiable process for buyers, sellers and officials.

Islamabad Deputy Commissioner Irfan Nawaz Memon recently visited stamp shops at the F-8 Katchery to review the transition. During the visit, he examined the use of the system by vendors and observed how citizens were being guided through the new process.

Revenue officials briefed him on daily operations, user flow and verification mechanisms integrated into the portal. They explained that e-stamp papers can be generated online and downloaded instantly, with each transaction recorded under a unique reference number and stored in a central database for future verification.

Stamp vendors welcomed the launch and thanked the district administration, saying the shift to e-stamping would eliminate fake stamp papers and reduce disputes arising from manual handling. They added that digital issuance would also improve record-keeping and ease pressure during peak hours.

According to officials, users can select the required stamp value, enter relevant details and download the e-stamp paper after payment, eliminating the need to search for specific paper stamps or rely on intermediaries.

The DC said the dashboard had been designed to be user-friendly, particularly for citizens unfamiliar with online services. Clear instructions, on-screen guidance and verification tools have been incorporated to minimise confusion and reduce unnecessary visits to offices.

Officials said stamp papers can be verified instantly through the digital dashboard by entering the reference number - a feature that will assist courts, banks and other institutions requiring quick authentication.

During the review, DC Memon also assessed system performance, load capacity and support arrangements for vendors and users. Revenue officers said training sessions had been conducted for stamp sellers, while help desks and guidance material were available to address user concerns.

The visit concluded with directions to continue monitoring the rollout and to incorporate feedback from users and vendors to ensure the system remains simple, reliable and efficient.