Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has announced the establishment of Asan Khidmat Markaz in Islamabad with the support of Azerbaijan, marking a new step in citizen-centered service delivery. The initiative, backed by Azerbaijan’s expertise and powered by the Ministry of IT and Telecom’s vision, aims to integrate multiple government services under one roof, making access simpler, faster, and more transparent for citizens. The announcement underscores the government’s commitment to modernizing public service infrastructure and bringing innovative solutions to improve efficiency and accessibility for the public.
The Prime Minister described the launch as a milestone in Pakistan-Azerbaijan friendship, highlighting the model’s origins in Baku, where Azerbaijan’s Asan Khidmat Markaz has been widely recognized for its success. Inspired by that experience during his recent visit, he directed Pakistani authorities to replicate the model in Islamabad with Azerbaijani cooperation. The Asan Khidmat Markaz in Islamabad is expected to serve as a one-stop facility combining public services, documentation, and business facilitation, easing procedures for citizens and entrepreneurs alike. According to the Prime Minister, all appointments at the center will be made strictly on merit and through transparent procedures to ensure trust and credibility.
During a meeting with Ulvi Mehdiyev, Chairman of Azerbaijan’s State Agency for Public Service and Social Innovations (SAPSSI), the Prime Minister emphasized that this initiative aligns with the government’s citizen-first approach. It will also advance Pakistan’s cashless economy policy by integrating modern digital platforms, reducing paperwork, and improving service timelines. Officials were instructed to merge the proposed Business Facilitation Center with the Asan Khidmat Markaz to streamline access for startups, investors, and businesses seeking regulatory services, creating a unified point of contact for administrative processes.
Expressing gratitude to Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev and the Azerbaijani government, Prime Minister Shehbaz acknowledged their expert guidance and technical support in shaping this project. He noted that such collaboration not only enhances public service delivery but also strengthens economic cooperation between Pakistan and Azerbaijan. A formal agreement was signed during the meeting between SAPSSI and Pakistan’s Ministry of IT and Telecom to establish the Asan Khidmat Markaz in Islamabad. 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 were also present, reflecting broad government backing for the initiative.
The Asan Khidmat Markaz represents a practical move toward improving transparency, efficiency, and citizen satisfaction in public services. By drawing on Azerbaijan’s proven model and combining it with Pakistan’s digital transformation agenda, the center is expected to offer a blueprint for similar facilities in other cities. It is envisioned as a step toward creating a streamlined, merit-based, and technology-driven environment for public service delivery, aligning with Pakistan’s broader Digital Pakistan objectives.
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