Sudden transition from the old e-stamp system causes frustration among lawyers, residents
E-stamp. PHOTO: estamp.gos.pk
RAWALPINDI:
Citizens faced severe inconvenience and judicial work was largely halted after the newly introduced digital white paper system for issuing stamp papers remained paralyzed in the entire 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 allegedly did not work effectively. Instead, the authorities launched a new digital white paper format, abolishing the role of the Bank of Punjab (BoP) in issuing stamp papers and handing over the responsibility to traditional licensed stamp vendors.
During the first two days of deployment, the system remained non-functional. From 8.00 to the closing of the office, not a single stamp paper could be issued due to technical errors. Lawyers were unable to file fresh cases, High Court petitions, appeals or bail applications, while responses 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 interrupted supplies, domicile certificates, job applications and other official requirements – were unable to get them. Long lines formed outside the sellers’ offices, but customers left empty-handed.
The new system abolished the centuries-old yellow stamp paper traditionally used for property registrations, declarations 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 deteriorating. It has now been replaced with a digital white paper format that allows stamp papers to be downloaded and printed on plain sheets, raising concerns about the long-term durability of valuable property documents.
Officials said the system development and technical configuration for the transition was 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 stopping the issuance of all types of stamp papers.
Citizens expressed frustration at the disruption. Nasir Ali and Muqaddas said they had been visiting vendors for two days to get 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, criticized repeated changes to the stamp paper system and questioned why the earlier mechanism was discontinued before the new portal was fully functional.
