During a high-level meeting at the Arfa Software Technology Park (ASTP), chaired by Faisal Yousaf, Chairman of the Punjab Information Technology Board (PITB), significant progress was reported on the ongoing ‘Maryam ke Dastak’ initiative, a project designed to enhance the accessibility and delivery of essential government services to citizens across Punjab. The initiative has successfully processed over 310,000 requests, with an additional 59,000 applications expected to be completed shortly, signaling its growing impact.
The meeting also underscored the active participation of local communities, as thousands of individuals have registered as Dastak Facilitators, ensuring the efficient delivery of services directly to citizens’ doorsteps. These facilitators are key to the initiative’s success, as they help streamline the process and ensure that essential services reach even the most remote areas.
The ‘Maryam ke Dastak’ initiative, which is currently operational in 40 districts of Punjab, offers a broad range of more than 70 essential services, covering everything from the issuance of domiciles and birth certificates to copies of FIRs, registries, and Fard for records. These services are delivered at citizens’ homes, eliminating the need for time-consuming visits to government offices.
Chairman Faisal Yousaf emphasized the significance of this initiative, highlighting its role in bringing public services closer to the people, particularly in rural areas where access to government facilities is often limited. “Through the ‘Dastak Doorstep Delivery App’ and our helpline, 1202, citizens can now access vital services without having to leave their homes,” Yousaf said. This digital shift is expected to save citizens considerable time and resources, making governance more efficient and transparent.
Furthermore, the initiative is not only about convenience; it also sets a new benchmark for good governance, as it addresses key issues such as bureaucratic inefficiencies, accessibility, and public satisfaction. The initiative also aligns with the broader goals of digitalizing public services in Punjab, making governance more citizen-centric, and improving the overall service delivery model.
As the program continues to expand, the success of ‘Maryam ke Dastak’ represents a significant leap forward in how public services are delivered, setting a model for other provinces to follow. With the combined efforts of the PITB and the Dastak Facilitators, the initiative is poised to redefine the way public services are accessed in Punjab, driving a more efficient and transparent system.
