Pakistan and Azerbaijan have taken a major step to transform citizen services with the decision to establish an Asan Khidmat Markaz in Islamabad. The project, inspired by Azerbaijan’s globally acclaimed Asan Service model, will introduce a one-window system where citizens can access multiple government services quickly and transparently.
The agreement follows Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s recent visit to Baku, where he personally toured Azerbaijan’s centralised Asan centre. Impressed by its efficiency, Sharif called the initiative a “revolutionary step in public service delivery”, noting that Pakistan urgently needs streamlined systems to cut red tape and restore public trust in governance.
Services Under One Roof
The Asan Khidmat Markaz will bring together essential facilities such as national identity card processing, business registrations, and other citizen services under a single roof. This will save people from the hassle of visiting multiple offices and standing in long queues.
Officials added that the centre will also support Pakistan’s transition to a digital and cashless economy, making public services more transparent and less prone to corruption. The prime minister directed that a planned Business Facilitation Centre should also be integrated into the structure, giving entrepreneurs a one-stop hub for starting and expanding businesses.
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Commitment to Transparency
Shehbaz kept on urging that all appointments at the centre will be strictly merit-based to ensure professionalism and integrity. He further expressed hope that once the Islamabad centre proves extremely successful, the model will be replicated in other major cities such as
- Lahore
- Karachi
- Peshawar
This will eventually create a nationwide network of modernized public service hubs.
Strengthening Ties with Azerbaijan
The agreement was formally signed between Azerbaijan’s State Agency for Public Service and Social Innovations (SAPSSI) and Pakistan’s Ministry of IT and Telecom.
Senior ministers, including Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar, Planning Minister Ahsan Iqbal, and IT Minister Shaza Fatima, witnessed the ceremony.
Leaders from both sides considered the project as not only a governance reform but also a true reflection of deepening Pakistan-Azerbaijan friendship. With technical assistance from Baku, Islamabad is all set to make a bold leap forward ahead in its journey toward
- Transparent
- Efficient
- Citizen-friendly governance