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Punjab Mandates e-FOAS for Environmental Approvals, Making EPA Fully Digital

Officials say the overhaul is designed to stop forged permits by creating traceable records with instant QR verification.

Overview

  • Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz approved replacing century‑old Forest Act procedures with a compulsory digital approvals system.
  • EPA Director General Dr Imran Hamid Sheikh issued implementation orders requiring all environment‑related directives and approvals to run through the e‑FOAS platform.
  • Any decision issued outside the system is declared invalid, with disciplinary action prescribed for officials who bypass the rules.
  • Import licences, laboratory certifications, protection orders and official recommendations will now be processed exclusively online.
  • Every file receives a unique reference number and QR code, with justifications and approvals recorded to create an auditable digital trail aimed at curbing corruption.