Digital stamp fiasco cripples courts

Sudden transition from old e-stamp system sparks frustration among lawyers, residents

RAWALPINDI:

Citizens faced severe inconvenience and court work was largely halted after the newly introduced digital white-paper system for the issuance of stamp papers remained paralysed across the Rawalpindi division on Monday and Tuesday.

The Punjab Board of Revenue (BoR) abruptly scrapped the e-stamp paper system, introduced two years ago, after the scheme reportedly failed to function effectively. In its place, authorities launched a new digital white-paper format, abolishing the role of the Bank of Punjab (BoP) in issuing stamp papers and returning the responsibility to traditional licensed stamp vendors.

During the first two days of implementation, the system remained non-functional. From 8am until office closing, not a single stamp paper could be issued due to technical failures. Lawyers were unable to file new cases, High Court petitions, appeals or bail applications, while replies in ongoing cases also remained pending.

Ordinary citizens were equally affected. People seeking stamp papers worth Rs100 to Rs1,200 — or water, electricity, gas, telephone connections, restoration of disconnected utilities, domicile certificates, job applications, and other official requirements — were unable to obtain them. Long queues formed outside vendors' offices but customers left empty-handed.

The new system abolished the centuries-old yellow stamp paper, traditionally used for property registrations, affidavits, and powers of attorney. Dating back nearly 200 years, the yellow paper was known for its durability and could last for decades without tearing or deterioration. It has now been replaced with a digital white-paper format that allows stamp papers to be downloaded and printed on ordinary sheets, prompting concerns about the long-term durability of high-value property documents.

Officials said the system development and technical configuration for the transition were completed over the weekend, and the new portal was scheduled to become operational on March 9. However, the old e-stamp website was shut down and replaced by a new platform, which remained largely inaccessible, effectively halting the issuance of all types of stamp papers.

Citizens expressed frustration over the disruption. Nasir Ali and Muqaddas said they had visited vendors for two days to obtain stamp papers for domicile certificates and electricity connections, but the system remained non-functional. Lawyers warned that ongoing court work could be delayed indefinitely.

Tariq Mahmood Sajid Awan, President of the District Bar Association, criticised repeated changes to the stamp paper system and questioned why the previous mechanism was discontinued before the new portal was fully functional.