Transforming Public Procurement in Pakistan: The Role of E-Procurement and Artificial Intelligence for Enhanced Efficiency and Transparency
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.65755/jpa-20254602-112Keywords:
E-Procurement, Artificial Intelligence (AI), Public Procurement, Transparency and Accountability, Digital Governance, e-PADS (Pakistan)Abstract
This study investigates the transformative role of e-procurement and artificial intelligence (AI) in strengthening efficiency, transparency, and accountability within public procurement processes in Punjab, Pakistan. The primary objectives are to evaluate the performance of the e-Pakistan Acquisition and Disposal System (e-PADS), assess its conformity with international best practices, and identify opportunities for AI-enabled enhancement. A qualitative research design was employed, comprising semi-structured interviews with key stakeholders from PPRA, PITB, and LDA, supplemented by an extensive review of policy documents, government reports , and academic literature. The findings indicate that e-PADS has contributed to substantial improvements in procedural efficiency, cost reduction, and auditability; nonetheless, critical limitations persist, including partial automation, inadequate digital literacy, institutional resistance, and the absence of a regulatory framework for AI integration. Comparative analysis with leading global systems—such as KONEPS, e-GP, and AusTender—reveals notable gaps in cross-border procurement facilitation, grievance redressal mechanisms, SME inclusion, and comprehensive end-to-end digitalisation. The study concludes that AI integration holds significant potential to enhance risk management, fraud detection, supplier performance evaluation, and strategic decision-making. The paper offers targeted policy recommendations aimed at legal reform, institutional capacity strengthening, technological advancement, and broader stakeholder accessibility, contributing to ongoing efforts to modernise Pakistan’s public procurement ecosystem.
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