Azerbaijan’s support praised: PM inaugurates first Asan Khidmat Markaz

ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Thursday praised Azerbaijan for its crucial support in establishing Pakistan’s first Asan Khidmat Markaz, a new facility designed to streamline public services and promote citizen-centric governance.

The centre, inaugurated in the capital, is hailed as a major step towards improving the delivery of public services and simplifying business processes.

Speaking at the ceremony, Sharif expressed his deep gratitude to Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev for his country’s pivotal role in the development of the centre, which is modelled on Azerbaijan’s highly acclaimed public service system.

He emphasised that the success of the initiative would not have been possible without Azerbaijan’s cooperation and guidance.

“I am profoundly grateful for the unwavering support of President Ilham Aliyev, and I thank Azerbaijan’s leadership for sharing their expertise in this transformative project,” he added.

“This initiative marks a milestone in ensuring that public services are not only efficient but also accessible and citizen-friendly.”

The Asan Khidmat Markaz will offer a range of services under one roof, including those from National Database and Registration Authority (NADRA), the Foreign Office, the Police, Capital Development Authority (CDA), the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR), etc.

The Prime Minister stressed that the facility aims to enhance transparency, efficiency, and professionalism in public service delivery. Staff at the centre has received specialised training from Azerbaijani experts, ensuring high standards of customer service.

“The hallmark of this service must be courtesy and professionalism,” Sharif said, addressing the centre’s staff. “Your attitude should inspire the citizens and elevate the quality of services.”

The Prime Minister also underscored his admiration for Azerbaijan’s public service system during his visit to the State Agency for Public Service and Social Innovations (SAPSSI) Centre in Baku, and upon his return, had directed the replication of this model in Pakistan.

In addition to the launch of the Islamabad facility, he also announced plans to expand the initiative, with Asan Khidmat Markaz centres to be set up in Azad Jammu and Kashmir and Gilgit-Baltistan, as part of the federal government’s commitment to the people of these regions.

‘Over time, we aim to expand this model nationwide, and Azerbaijan’s expertise has been invaluable in making this possible,” Sharif said.

The Prime Minister concluded with a call for service excellence, urging the officials to prioritise the public’s needs and strengthen trust in state institutions.

“The success of this initiative will be measured not just in efficiency, but in the respect and trust it builds between the state and its citizens,” he added.

Copyright Business Recorder, 2026