QUETTA: The Balochistan government has started e-tendering to ensure transparency and merit in the bidding and procurement process.

With this step, Balochistan has become the first province in the country to have introduced e-tendering through legislation passed by the provincial assembly.

The assembly has approved an amendment to the Balochistan Procurement Authority Rules, 2014, after approval of its draft by the cabinet.

Chief Minister Mir Abdul Qudoos Bizenjo had directed the authorities concerned that after approval by the assembly e-tendering be implemented across the province.

According to a notification issued here on Tuesday by the procurement section of the Finance Department, the procuring agencies shall carry out the procurement process by using the Electronic Public Procurement System developed by the authority, in such a manner as to cover all aspects of the procurement proceedings.