Punjab Goes Digital: New E-Billing System for Municipal Services in 229 Cities

Digital transformation in Punjab has taken a major step forward as the Punjab government officially launched a province-wide e-billing system for municipal services. The new system allows citizens to pay fees, taxes, and municipal charges from home using mobile banking, online banking, and digital wallets. This initiative is part of the government’s mission to modernize governance and provide easy, transparent, and fast services to the public.

The system was launched in Lahore by Punjab Local Government Minister Zeeshan Rafique and Punjab Chief Secretary Zahid Akhtar Zaman, along with senior officials from the Punjab Information Technology Board (PITB), the Bank of Punjab (BOP), and Suthra Punjab Authority. Their joint efforts mark a major milestone in Punjab’s journey toward smart governance and digital public service delivery.

The Punjab e-billing system is now active across 229 municipal bodies, making it one of the largest digital payment service expansions in the province’s history.

Why Punjab Introduced an E-Billing System

For years, citizens struggled with long queues, paper-based challans, and unnecessary delays in paying municipal fees. Many services were slow, manual, and lacked transparency. With the new system:

• Payments become faster and easier
• Citizens no longer need to visit municipal offices
• Corruption and manual errors are reduced
• Digital records ensure transparency
• Municipal revenue collection becomes efficient

The Punjab government aims to make municipal operations fully automated, accessible, and citizen-friendly.

Cities Covered Under the New E-Billing System

The system has been rolled out across 229 local governments in Punjab, including:

• Metropolitan corporations
• Municipal committees
• Tehsil councils
• District councils
• Urban unit departments

This makes it one of the most comprehensive digital governance expansions in Pakistan.

Services Citizens Can Pay for Through E-Billing

Residents can now pay a wide range of municipal dues, including:

Building & Construction-Related Payments

• Building plan approval fees
• Completion certificate fees
• Map approval charges

Commercial & Market-Related Payments

• Shop rent
• License renewal
• Commercial area fees

Utility & Basic Services

• Water supply service charges
• Waste collection fees
• Sewerage service charges

General Municipal Charges

• Birth certificate fee
• Marriage and death registration
• Land-use conversion fees

All payments can be made from home using:

• Mobile banking apps
• Bank of Punjab digital channels
• Digital wallets like Easypaisa & JazzCash
• Online payment portals

Bank of Punjab & PITB: The Technology Partners Behind the System

The e-billing system was jointly developed by:

Punjab Information Technology Board (PITB)

• Designed the software
• Integrated municipal data
• Developed mobile-friendly systems

Bank of Punjab (BOP)

• Authorized payment collector
• Provides secure digital transaction channels
• Offers support for all municipal departments

BOP now collects all municipal dues on behalf of the Punjab government, ensuring secure and swift public payments.

Key Benefits of the Punjab E-Billing System

1. Convenience for Citizens

No need to stand in lines or visit offices. Everything is available with one click.

2. Transparency in Payments

Every transaction is recorded electronically, preventing corruption, misuse, or mismanagement.

3. Faster Service Delivery

Offices can process applications quickly because payments are instantly verified.

4. Boost in Digital Literacy

Encourages digital banking and online payments across Punjab.

5. Increased Government Revenue

Automated systems reduce leakages and ensure accurate record-keeping.

Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz’s Role in Digital Governance

Minister Zeeshan Rafique praised Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz for her aggressive reforms in governance and digital transformation. Under her leadership:

• Punjab launched several digital governance initiatives
• Waste management systems were upgraded under “Suthra Punjab”
• Forbes recognized the programme as the world’s largest single-network waste management system

This international recognition shows that Punjab’s digital services are improving globally.

Chief Secretary’s Vision for a Modern Punjab

Punjab Chief Secretary Zahid Akhtar Zaman highlighted the government’s achievements in introducing modern systems such as:

• e-Biz for businesses
• e-FOAS (File Tracking System)
• e-Tendering for procurement transparency

He emphasized that the e-billing system is part of a larger digital governance model aimed at improving service delivery for all citizens.

More Digital Services Coming Soon

The Local Government Minister announced that more digital municipal services will soon be added, such as:

• Online complaints portal
• Digital building safety certifications
• Online market licensing
• Waste management tracking
• Digital water meter billing

The goal is to completely eliminate the need for physical documents or office visits.

Impact on Citizens Across Punjab

The new e-billing system will:

• Save time
• Reduce transportation costs
• Remove middlemen and agents
• Increase trust in government services
• Encourage online financial transactions

It is a major social and technological shift toward a smart Punjab.

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