The Public Procurement Regulatory Authority (PPRA) was established when the Government of Pakistan promulgated PPRA Ordinance on 15^th May, 2002. The first major assignment undertaken by PPRA was the review of existing procurement regulations and procedures of five public sector enterprises as well as their re-engineering and re-designing for transparent and efficient procurement procedures by these enterprises. The Ministry of Finance has implemented the Public Procurement Rules, 2004, initialed by the Authority and vetted by the Law Division, with effect from 8^th June, 2004. The said rules provide a broad regulatory framework for transparent public sector procurements and are applicable to all public sector enterprises at federal level. Adherence to these Rules promises to introduce transparency as well as accountability in procurements in public sector.

The year under review was actually the first year to introduce and apply a new system of procurement evolved with due consideration and in consultation with all stake holders to avoid any flaws leading to misuse of the rules for defeating the main objective of transparency. The PPRA has set up its own website which provides information relating to Public Procurement Regulatory Authority Ordinance 2002, Public Procurement Rules, 2004, Procurement regulations as well as public procurement opportunities.

At present the Authority is also coordinating a big task of re-engineering of the out dated procurement manuals of 15 Public Sector entities which include CAA, NTC, NHA, Pakistan Steel Mills, PNSC Pak Railways, OGDCL, SSGCL, SNGPL, CDA, PIA, TIP, H.M.C, P.W.D and Utility Stores Corporation.