The acquisition of e-stamp papers has become nearly impossible in Haripur, causing severe hardship for the public. Despite a population of approximately 1.3 million across 45 union councils (UCs), only a single e-stamp counter has been established in the district.
Citizens report that people begin queueing as early as 6am, yet only 100 tokens are issued per day. As a result, prisoners who have been granted bail are often forced to remain in jail for an additional two to three days due to the unavailability of e-stamp papers.
Residents have demanded the restoration of the old stamp paper system, stating that a stamp previously priced at Rs150 is now being sold for Rs700 to Rs800. Many complain that after waiting in queues for hours, they are sent back empty-handed once office hours end.
Haripur Deputy Commissioner Haripur Waseem Ahmed said that additional counters would soon be established in the district and that e-stamp facilities would be introduced at all Bank of Khyber branches.