Pakistan, Azerbaijan Sign Agreement to Launch Asan Khidmat Markaz
Islamabad, The Gulf Observer: Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif on Wednesday announced the establishment of an Asan Khidmat Markaz in Islamabad in collaboration with Azerbaijan’s State Agency for Public Service and Social Innovations (SAPSSI), terming the initiative “a new milestone in Pakistan-Azerbaijan friendship.”
The announcement was made during a meeting between the Prime Minister and SAPSSI Chairman Ulvi Mehdiyev, according to a press release issued by the Prime Minister’s Office.
Recalling his recent visit to Baku, where he toured Azerbaijan’s successful Asan Khidmat Markaz, the Prime Minister said he had directed authorities to replicate the model in Pakistan with Azerbaijani support.
“The Asan Khidmat Markaz will bring together multiple public services under one roof, ensuring convenience and transparency for citizens. This citizen-centered initiative will be a revolutionary step in improving public service delivery,” Shehbaz Sharif said.
He emphasized that all appointments for the center would be made on merit and through transparent procedures. He also instructed officials to integrate the proposed Business Facilitation Center with the Asan Khidmat Markaz to provide seamless services to both citizens and entrepreneurs.
The Prime Minister noted that the initiative would support the government’s policy of transitioning toward a cashless economy and serve as a model to be expanded from Islamabad to other cities across the country.
Expressing gratitude to Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev and the Azerbaijani government, Shehbaz Sharif acknowledged their “expert guidance and technical support” for the project, saying it would further strengthen economic cooperation between the two countries.
During the meeting, a formal agreement was signed between SAPSSI and Pakistan’s Ministry of IT and Telecom for the establishment of the Asan Khidmat Markaz in Islamabad.
The meeting was attended by senior cabinet members, including Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar, Minister for Planning Ahsan Iqbal, Minister for Economic Affairs Ahad Khan Cheema, Minister for Housing Riaz Pirzada, Minister for Information Attaullah Tarar, and Minister for IT and Telecom Shaza Fatima.
