The World Bank acknowledge the efforts of PPRA in the report "Implementation
Completion and Result Report".
The Program developed an e-procurement system to tackle
inefficiencies in procurement and reduce bureaucratic delays.
The Program initially targeted only the health and education sectors, but it has
expanded to all sectors, with provinces replicating the system. The Public Procurement Law underwent twenty two amendments to enhance the
process, discourage monopolies in bidding, and digitize systems. Notable
achievements include Standard Bidding Documents, an Alternate Dispute Resolution
(ADR) mechanism, and the e-procurement system, which improved dispute resolution
time from 18 months to 70 days. Legal reforms in procurement included monopoly
control clauses and mandated disclosure of beneficial ownership information.
Despite initial delays, the e-procurement system surpassed targets and processed
all federal education and health procurements by October 2023, and extending to
250 entities. Stakeholders training using the system and change management
activities were undertaken. Over 7,500 procurement agents were trained across
Pakistan, contributing to its adoption. The reform's
success can be attributed to a reform-minded leader Mr. Maqbool Ahmad
Gondal in the PPRA, who was also the Controller General of Accounts (CGA), who
built coalitions and overcame resistance. While there is insufficient data to
undertake impact assessment now, focus group discussions with health and
education departments, revealed that more than two third participants recognize
the new system has improved transparency, efficiency, and user-friendliness
alongside increasing the opportunity to participate in the bidding process.