Peshawar-based Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) has earned international recognition for its digital transformation efforts, as the province’s flagship Dastak App won first place in the Government and Citizen Services category at the Asia Pacific ICT Alliance (APICTA) Awards 2025 in Taiwan. The awards drew participants from 17 countries, placing KP’s e-governance initiative in a competitive global spotlight and validating its technology-driven approach to public service delivery.
Special Assistant to the Chief Minister for Information and Public Relations, Shafi Jan, described the accolade as a strong endorsement of KP government’s commitment to citizen-centric digital reforms. He noted that the Dastak App represents a model for transparency and AI integration in governance, delivering efficient, technology-driven services directly to citizens. The win, marking the first time in 14 years that a Pakistani entry has claimed this category, reflects KP’s growing position at the forefront of Pakistan’s digital future.
Shafi Jan highlighted that only two Pakistani digital solutions reached the finals at APICTA 2025: KP’s Dastak App and the Tourist Information Management System. Both were praised by international ICT experts, and several countries expressed interest in adopting elements of KP’s digital governance framework. The recognition underscores the potential for local digital innovations to serve as templates for regional e-governance models, combining accessibility with streamlined service delivery.
The Dastak App allows residents to access a wide range of government services from their homes, covering functions such as arms license applications, excise registrations, scholarship submissions, property tax payments, and other public services. Shafi Jan emphasized that the platform is designed to simplify citizen interactions with government offices, ensuring transparency, efficiency, and accessibility while reducing the need for physical visits to departments. He described the app as a step forward in integrating AI and digital tools into government services, setting benchmarks for both national and international digital governance standards.
Officials noted that APICTA’s recognition of KP’s Dastak App provides both validation and a learning opportunity, enabling further refinement of the province’s digital platforms. The achievement also highlights KP’s broader agenda of digital inclusivity, where citizens from urban and rural areas can benefit from equitable access to government services. The success of the Dastak App is seen as a testament to the province’s ongoing efforts to modernize governance, enhance citizen engagement, and leverage technology for public good.
By winning first place at APICTA 2025, KP has positioned itself as a leader in e-governance innovation within the Asia-Pacific region. The recognition not only strengthens Pakistan’s global digital reputation but also provides a framework for other provinces to develop citizen-focused, technology-driven solutions that enhance transparency, efficiency, and accountability in public service delivery.
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