ISLAMABAD, Feb 8: The e-Government Project Directorate (EGPD) is planning to install auto-teller machines (ATMs) at various prominent places in the twin cities of Rawalpindi and Islamabad, official sources said here on Friday.

“The project is expected to be completed within a year while the process of awarding the contract is under way,” the sources added.

The sources said initially, 18 ATMs would be installed at various branches of National Bank of Pakistan in the twin cities.

“The technical training of the bank employees for handling the new system where the ATMs are to be installed will be provided by the tender.”

Presently, the officials said, we are looking into the possibility of both “through the wall ATM” and “in lobby ATM” and a final decision would be taken once the EGPD gets the bids.

Giving details of the e-govt plan, officials in the directorate said the entire programme would be implemented in a period of three to five years.

“The objectives of this plan are providing immediate benefits to the citizens, bringing fundamental changes in the working of the government and giving an impetus to the local IT industry,” they said.

They further said it was also proposed to establish 1,000 kiosks in 12 major cities of Pakistan, where the customers will have the facility to make payment of all utility bills. — Zahra Syed