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LAHORE, Dec 22 (APP): Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif, in a landmark reform aimed at eradicating corruption and strengthening transparency, has approved sweeping amendments to the century-old Forest Act, replacing outdated colonial-era procedures with a fully digitised system for forestry and environmental governance.
Under the Chief Minister’s reform agenda, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has become Punjab’s first government department to completely eliminate paperwork, shifting to a modern, technology-driven framework. All regulatory and administrative processes will now be conducted through the digital system E-FOAS.
According to an official notification, the issuance of import licences, laboratory certifications, protection orders and official recommendations will be carried out exclusively through the E-FOAS platform. Any order, approval or administrative decision issued outside the system will be considered invalid, and strict disciplinary action will be taken against the responsible officers and staff.
Each document generated through E-FOAS will carry a unique reference number and QR code, allowing instant verification within seconds. The system will also maintain a complete digital record of all decisions, including justifications, recommendations and approvals, ensuring full accountability and traceability at every stage.
EPA Director General Dr Imran Hamid Sheikh has formally issued implementation orders, making it mandatory for all environment-related departments to refrain from issuing any directive or approval without using the E-FOAS system.
The notification further confirms that import licences will now be issued entirely through the digital platform.
Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif commended the EPA team for eliminating human intervention, forgery and illegal permits. “We are ensuring environmental protection alongside the complete eradication of corruption,” she said, describing the reform as a decisive step towards transparent, efficient and accountable governance in Punjab’s forestry and environmental sectors.