Latest news with #PunjabInformationTechnologyBoard
Business Recorder
24-05-2025
- Business
- Business Recorder
Over Rs800bn collected through e-Pay Punjab
LAHORE: The Punjab government has collected over Rs 800 billion in tax revenue through 'e-Pay Punjab', a flagship digital payment solution developed by the Punjab Information Technology Board (PITB) in collaboration with the Punjab Finance Department. This was highlighted during a progress review meeting presided over by PITB Chairman Faisal Yousaf here on Friday. Launched in October 2019, e-Pay Punjab has facilitated over 86 million online transactions, revolutionising how citizens pay government dues and taxes. The platform allows hassle-free payments for 87 different taxes or levies from 18 government departments, eliminating the need for physical visits and curbing reliance on middlemen and agent mafias. The meeting was further told that since its launch, e-Pay Punjab has generated substantial revenue across key tax streams, including over Rs 564 billion in Sales Tax, over Rs 39 billion in Property Tax, over Rs 35 billion in Token Tax and over Rs 19 billion through traffic challans. Over 5.8 million users have downloaded the e-Pay Punjab mobile app. Speaking on the occasion, PITB Chairman Faisal Yousaf said that e-Pay Punjab has not only empowered citizens with convenient, transparent payment options but also significantly strengthened the provincial treasury. 'We are continuously enhancing the platform by integrating more services to ensure safe, fast and user-friendly digital payments from the comfort of one's homes,' he added. Copyright Business Recorder, 2025
Express Tribune
20-05-2025
- Express Tribune
Theft-checker
Listen to article Street crime has been a growing concern – in the urban centres of Pakistan. While Karachi has long been synonymous with robbery and mugging, this menace is now taking root in Islamabad and Lahore also. According to media reports, during the last two weeks, the federal capital — a safe city otherwise — witnessed 48 cases of vehicle theft, 14 cases of armed robbery and 14 incidents of street crime, with citizens losing mobile phones, cash and other valuables worth millions of rupees at gunpoint. Even though Lahore has witnessed a decline in crime compared with the previous years, the situation is far from satisfactory. In the first two months of 2025, the provincial capital of Punjab recorded 4,686 crime cases, involving theft of 2,111 vehicles, 853 robberies and 839 snatchings. While street crime has so far been unstoppable, a mobile phone app developed by Punjab police with the help of Punjab Information Technology Board offers hope — at least to the extent of crime involving mobile phone snatching. The e-Gadget Monitoring System of police is designed to track down and recover stolen or lost mobile phones. The system requires the mobile phone traders to register themselves using the e-Gadget app and store the IMEI numbers of each mobile phone in their possession so that the police might access their database when looking for a stolen gadget. Also, the traders and shopkeepers will have to seek police clearance through the app before initiating a sale or purchase process. The recent recovery of more than 100 mobile phones, including iPhones, using the digital app substantiates the police claim of the e-gadget already turning out to be a game-changer. This also calls for equipping the police with more such technology rather than continuing to investigate crime by traditional, outdated ways.
Business Recorder
20-05-2025
- Business
- Business Recorder
PITB geo-tags 3,868 mineral reserves since Oct 2021
LAHORE: Since October 2021, the Punjab Information Technology Board (PITB), in collaboration with the Punjab Mines and Minerals Department, has successfully geo-tagged over 3,868 mineral reserves using the Chief Inspectorate of Mines App. This emerged during a progress review meeting presided over by PITB Chairman Faisal Yousaf here on Monday. The Chief Inspectorate of Mines App, developed by PITB, enables digital inspection and oversight of mining sites across six different regions, with 2,416 inspections completed by 10 inspectors since August 2023. Additionally, the system facilitates the monitoring of emergency rescue equipment and allows for timely incident reporting, enhancing safety and compliance in Punjab's mining sector. On this occasion, PITB Chairman Faisal Yousaf stated, 'This digital solution streamlines mining operations and strengthens real-time monitoring of compliance, advancing the mining sector towards greater transparency and safety.' Copyright Business Recorder, 2025
Express Tribune
03-05-2025
- Business
- Express Tribune
Digital skills gain momentum in South Punjab
The outcome of DEEP component-II will be the development of Pakistan Business Portal at a cost of $15 million for the first fiscal year of the project, ie, 2024-25. photo: file A quiet yet powerful digital transformation is sweeping across cities like Multan, Bahawalpur, Dera Ghazi Khan, and Rahim Yar Khan, where thousands of youth and women are embracing short online courses to gain skills for the global digital economy. From video editing and graphic design to freelancing and AI, low-cost courses — some offered for as little as Rs500 — are enabling people from all walks of life to build careers online. Conducted informally via WhatsApp groups or community setups, these courses have proven remarkably effective, opening new doors of income and opportunity for many with no formal technical background. One shining example is Tasneem Tariq, a housewife who now edits videos for social media influencers after completing a short editing course. "I used to feel left out when people talked about careers. Now, I feel empowered and soon I'll start contributing financially," she said. This grassroots movement is being driven by self-made trainers like Taimur and Adeel Chaudhry, who run regular online batches to guide students through practical learning. "This is not just a hobby anymore; it's a viable career path," says Taimur. Adeel adds, "Learners today ask smart questions — they want to monetize their skills, open YouTube channels, and sign up on freelancing platforms. It shows a positive societal shift." While the core momentum comes from citizens themselves, government initiatives have provided a crucial foundation. Platforms like e-Rozgar and NAVTTC have made certified training accessible, while Punjab Information Technology Board's e-Rozgar Centers in South Punjab offer structured learning and co-working support. These efforts are helping thousands transition into online careers and bring in valuable foreign income.
Express Tribune
27-04-2025
- Health
- Express Tribune
Student entry tied to thalassemia testing
Thalassemia is a hereditary blood disorder that prevents the production of haemoglobin, leaving the patient anaemic. PHOTO: AFP/FILE Thalassemia and other genetic disorder tests have been made mandatory for students seeking admission to schools, colleges, and religious seminaries in Punjab. The requirement is part of the newly passed Punjab Thalassemia Prevention Act 2025, aimed at curbing the spread of hereditary diseases. According to the law, all students applying for admission must undergo testing for thalassemia and other genetic disorders, and submit the test reports with their admission forms to the relevant educational boards. The Punjab Information Technology Board (PITB) is mandated to maintain a secure database of all test results. Laboratories are required to submit these results to the PITB within ten days. A warning has also been issued that any private laboratory found submitting fake results will face legal action under the Pakistan Penal Code. Teachers' associations have welcomed the initiative. Leaders Muhammad Shafiq Bhalowalia and Basharat Iqbal Raja have suggested expanding the health screenings to include annual checks for vision, vaccination, and physical and mental development for all students enrolled in schools.
