Sudden transition from old e-stamp system sparks frustration among lawyers and residents
Electronic stamp. PHOTO: estamp.gos.pk
RAWALPINDI:
Citizens faced serious inconvenience and judicial work was largely halted after the new digital white paper system for issuance of stamp papers remained paralyzed in Rawalpindi division on Monday and Tuesday.
The Punjab Board of Revenue (BoR) abruptly abandoned the e-stamp paper system, introduced two years ago, after the system allegedly failed to 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 returning this responsibility to traditional licensed stamp sellers.
During the first two days of implementation, the system remained non-functional. From 8 a.m. until close of business, no stamp paper could be issued due to technical failures. Lawyers were unable to file new briefs, High Court applications, appeals or bail applications, while responses in ongoing cases also remained pending.
Ordinary citizens have also been affected. People seeking stamp papers worth Rs 100 to Rs 1,200 – or water, electricity, gas, telephone connections, restoration of disconnected utilities, domicile certificates, job applications and other official requirements – have not been able to get them. Long queues formed outside sellers’ offices, but customers left empty-handed.
The new system abolished the centuries-old yellow stamp paper traditionally used for property records, affidavits and powers of attorney. Dating back almost 200 years, yellow paper was known for its durability and could last for decades without tearing or deteriorating. It has now been replaced by a digital white paper format that allows stamp papers to be downloaded and printed on plain sheets, raising concerns about the long-term durability of high-value real estate documents.
Officials said system development and technical setup for the transition was completed over the weekend and the new portal was expected to become operational on March 9. However, the old e-stamp website was shut down and replaced with a new platform, which remained largely inaccessible, effectively ending the issuance of all types of stamp paper.
Citizens expressed their frustration with these disruptions. Nasir Ali and Muqaddas said they visited vendors for two days to get stamp papers for domicile certificates and electricity connections, but the system was still not functional. Lawyers have warned that ongoing court work could be delayed indefinitely.
Tariq Mahmood Sajid Awan, president of the District Bar Association, criticized the repeated changes to the stamp paper system and questioned why the previous mechanism was discontinued before the new portal was fully functional.
