PPRA, NUST partner on procurement training push

KARACHI: The Public Procurement Regulatory Authority (PPRA) has joined forces with the National University of Sciences & Technology (NUST) to launch a specialised capacity-building initiative aimed at bolstering transparency and efficiency in public procurement. The move aligns with the prime minister’s directives to digitise Pakistan and enhance value for money in government spending.

PPRA Managing Director Hasnat Ahmed Qureshi announced the launch of the second cohort of the Professional Diploma in Public Procurement and Contract Management, a four-month programme set to commence on May 18 at NUST’s Islamabad campus. This initiative builds upon PPRA’s ongoing collaborations with the World Bank and leading national universities to develop a competency framework and integrate procurement education into university curricula.

The diploma programme is designed to equip government officials, private sector experts, vendors, suppliers, business entities and development practitioners with specialised knowledge in procurement regulations, best practices and contract management. Modules will cover topics ranging from the fundamentals of transparent procurement and the legal framework to maximizing efficiency, strategic selection, contract management, e-procurement through the e-Pak Acquisition and Disposal System (EPADS), and public-private partnership models.

Qureshi emphasised the importance of stakeholder participation in the initiative, urging public sector institutions to fully engage in the capacity-building efforts. He noted that in line with the prime minister’s directives, special procurement cells have been established within federal government institutions, and the implementation of e-procurement through EPADS is underway. Officials assigned to these cells are currently undergoing training to enhance accountability and efficiency in public sector operations.