Court operations across the Rawalpindi division were severely disrupted after the launch of a new digital white-paper stamp system, which failed to function during its first days of implementation. The technical failure left lawyers unable to file cases or complete legal documentation, effectively halting routine court proceedings.
Authorities recently replaced the previous e-stamp paper system with the new digital format, scrapping the older mechanism and introducing a downloadable stamp paper model that can be printed on ordinary white paper. However, the transition proved chaotic as the new portal remained inaccessible for much of the day.
Lawyers Unable to File Cases or Petitions
The system failure meant lawyers could not submit new cases, bail applications, appeals, or High Court petitions. Even responses in ongoing cases were delayed because the required stamp papers could not be issued.
From the morning until the close of office hours, vendors were unable to generate a single stamp paper through the new digital system. As a result, legal work across several courts remained largely stalled.
Legal practitioners warned that prolonged disruptions could delay hearings and create a backlog of cases.
Citizens Also Face Major Inconvenience
The disruption extended beyond courtrooms, affecting citizens who require stamp papers for various official purposes.
People seeking stamp papers worth Rs100 to Rs1,200 for services such as electricity and gas connections, domicile certificates, job applications, and other documentation were unable to obtain them. Long queues formed outside stamp vendor offices, but many residents left empty-handed after waiting for hours.
Several citizens reported visiting vendors repeatedly over two days but failing to secure the required documents due to the non-functional system.
Old Stamp Paper System Replaced
The change also ended the use of the traditional yellow stamp paper, a document format that has been used for nearly two centuries for property registrations, affidavits, and legal agreements.
The new system allows stamp papers to be downloaded and printed digitally. However, some lawyers have expressed concerns about the durability and reliability of ordinary paper for long-term legal documentation, especially in high-value property transactions.
Lawyers Criticise Poor Implementation
Legal representatives criticised authorities for shutting down the previous system before ensuring the new portal was fully operational.
Bar association officials argued that the abrupt transition created unnecessary disruption and confusion, affecting both lawyers and the public.
They have urged authorities to restore a functional system quickly to prevent prolonged delays in court proceedings.
