LAHORE: The federal government has decided to introduce Punjab’s e-Biz portal in Islamabad as part of efforts to simplify business procedures and provide investors with easier digital access to government services.
The Punjab government and the Special Investment Facilitation Council (SIFC) have reached an agreement in principle to implement the system under a government-to-government cooperation arrangement.
Following approval from Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz, the Punjab chief secretary and SIFC secretary held a meeting to discuss implementation of the project.
Officials agreed to introduce the Punjab e-Biz portal at the Business Facilitation Centre in the federal capital.
On the prime minister’s instructions, authorities have set a target to make the portal operational in Islamabad by December 2026.
The Punjab government, Punjab Information Technology Board (PITB) and SIFC will jointly work on the project to ensure its timely launch.
Officials also decided to prepare a fast-track implementation plan covering technical and institutional requirements and defining responsibilities of the departments involved.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has directed the authorities to accelerate work to ensure completion within the stipulated timeframe.
The e-Biz portal provides businesses with a single digital platform for procedures related to starting and operating businesses, securing government approvals and obtaining various permits.
The initiative is aimed at reducing paperwork and simplifying interaction between businesses and government departments.
The federal government now plans to replicate Punjab’s experience in Islamabad as part of broader efforts to improve the ease of doing business and facilitate domestic and foreign investors.
