LAHORE: Chief Secretary Zahid Akhtar Zaman has directed government departments to simplify the process of issuing no objection certificates (NOCs) and asserted that demanding unnecessary documents for NOC issuance was unjustified.

The chief secretary at a meeting of administrative secretaries at the civil secretariat on Wednesday conducted a comprehensive review of e-governance initiatives and price control measures in the province.

He stressed ensuring ease in accessing NOCs for businesses and citizens through the e-Biz portal.

Mr Zaman instructed the departments to limit requirements to only essential documents for online NOC processing.

He said the technology was key to improving governance and curbing corruption, urging departments to expedite digitization efforts to enhance online service delivery.

The chief secretary also called for continued action against profiteering across the province.

He sought daily reports on measures taken against profiteers and directed the deputy commissioners to analyze commodity prices, demand, and supply trends to maintain price stability. He urged administrative officers to treat their responsibilities during Ramazan as a sacred duty, ensuring the public receives necessary relief.

During the meeting, Price Control and Commodities Management department secretary Ajmal Bhatti said the food prices, under the chief minister’s directives, were being closely monitored during Ramazan. He said the price control magistrates were actively conducting field inspections. He said over 15,000 inspections were carried out province-wide on Tuesday alone, he mentioned.

PITB chairman Faisal Yousaf outlined ongoing efforts to advance e-governance in line with the chief minister’s vision.

He noted that all divisional and deputy commissioners’ offices had been integrated with the e-Filing and Office Automation System.

The meeting was attended by Senior Member Board of Revenue Nabeel Javed, Planning and Development Board chairman Barrister Nabeel Awan, administrative secretaries, and directors general of various departments attended the meeting, while divisional and deputy commissioners joined via video link.

Published in Dawn, March 6th, 2025