PM Shehbaz inaugurates 'Pakistan Assan Khidmat Markaz' in Islamabad

Islamabad (Web Desk): Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Thursday inaugurated the ‘Pakistan Asan Khidmat Markaz’ in Islamabad, a center designed to facilitate the residents of the federal capital.

Addressing the ceremony, the premier thanked Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev for his extraordinary support in launching Pakistan’s first Asan Khidmat Markaz, describing the initiative as a significant stride toward citizen-focused governance, improved service delivery, and a smoother business environment.

PM Shehbaz acknowledged President Ilham Aliyev’s role in establishing the centre, modelled on Azerbaijan’s internationally acclaimed public service system.

He said that such an initiative would not have been possible without Azerbaijan’s guidance and cooperation.

The premier also mentioned the efforts of the Chairman of Azerbaijan’s State Agency for Public Service and Social Innovations (SAPSSI), Pakistan’s ambassador, and other key partners whose support was crucial.

He commended the minister and secretary of information technology, along with allied departments, for their collaborative efforts in making the centre operational.

The prime minister highlighted that the Asan Khidmat Markaz brings multiple government services together under one roof, including National Database and Registration Authority (NADRA), the Foreign Office (FO), Police, Federal Board of Revenue (FBR), and other departments.

He said the arrangement was designed to make public and business services more efficient, transparent, and user-friendly.

PM Shehbaz noted that staff members had undergone specialized training in Azerbaijan from master trainers and stressed that professionalism, courtesy, and a welcoming attitude should define their service.

“Your approach should inspire the people visiting this centre and enhance the overall quality of government services,” he told the team.

Reflecting on his visit to the SAPSSI Centre in Baku, PM Shehbaz said he was impressed by the efficiency and responsiveness of Azerbaijan’s public service institutions. On returning to Pakistan, he instructed that a similar system be replicated here, emphasizing that public service requires constant readiness to serve citizens

He directed Federal Minister Ahad Cheema, in coordination with the Capital Development Authority (CDA), to expand the centre and ensure its rapid replication.

The prime minister also announced the immediate establishment of Asan Khidmat Markaz centres in Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) and Gilgit-Baltistan, presenting them as a gift from the federal government to the people and administrations of these regions

PM Shehbaz said the model would eventually be rolled out nationwide and reiterated that Azerbaijan’s support had been instrumental in making this vision a reality.

He expressed special gratitude to the visiting SAPSSI chairman and his delegation for their commendable contribution

“Your dedication, alertness, and warm approach in serving the public will bring success both in this world and the hereafter,” the prime minister remarked, urging officials to ensure the centre fully serves the public and strengthens trust in government institutions.

Earlier, PM Shehbaz was briefed in detail about the functioning and operations of the center.

It is pertinent to mention that the initiative was first announced in September 2025, when PM Shehbaz revealed plans to establish an Asan Khidmat Markaz in collaboration with Azerbaijan’s State Agency for Public Service and Social Innovations (SAPSSI), calling it “a new milestone in Pakistan-Azerbaijan friendship.”

This announcement followed a meeting with SAPSSI Chairman Ulvi Mehdiyev, according to a statement from the Prime Minister’s Office.