TASHKENT: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif visited the Asan Khidmat (ASAN XIDMAT) Centre in Baku, Azerbaijan, on Tuesday, praising the facility for offering over 400 public services and expressing interest in replicating the model in Islamabad.
During his two-day visit to the Central Asian nation, the prime minister toured the state-of-the-art service center in Baku, commending its use of modern technology and highly skilled workforce. He attributed the center’s efficiency and innovation to the visionary leadership of Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev.
“I also visited the startup center INNOLAND, where young innovators and volunteers are actively engaged. It is one of the most advanced centres I have seen worldwide. Full credit to my brother Ilham Aliyev for his forward-thinking leadership,” said PM Shehbaz.
Plans to Implement the ‘Asan Khidmat’ Model in Pakistan
While Pakistan already operates similar service centres, particularly in Punjab, the prime minister noted that Baku’s Asan Khidmat stands out due to its scale and advanced service delivery systems.
“We would love to benefit from Azerbaijan’s experience. I would be happy to establish a similar centre in Islamabad,” he added.
Shehbaz Sharif revealed plans to launch a pilot project in Islamabad based on the Asan Khidmat model. Pakistan is set to sign an agreement with Azerbaijan to learn from its expertise in efficient governance and service delivery. He also invited a team from the centre to visit Pakistan to explore avenues for collaboration.
A Model for Efficient Public Services
During the visit, Ulvi Mehdiyev, Chairman of the State Agency for Public Service and Social Innovation, welcomed PM Shehbaz and provided a briefing on the centre’s operations.
Mehdiyev explained that Asan Khidmat has gained international recognition for its efficient, transparent, and accountable public service delivery. The one-stop service model provides access to over 400 services from 30 government and 15 private institutions, all under one roof.
The prime minister was also briefed on the Mobile Asan Khidmat initiative, which includes specially designed buses and trains that bring essential public services directly to local communities.
PM Shehbaz Departs for Uzbekistan
Following his visit to Baku, PM Shehbaz departed for Tashkent, Uzbekistan, on a two-day visit at the invitation of Uzbek President Shavkat Mirziyoyev.
Upon arrival, he was welcomed by Uzbekistan’s Prime Minister Abdulla Aripov, Foreign Minister Bakhtiyor Saidov, Tashkent Mayor Shavkat Umurzakov, and senior government and diplomatic officials. A contingent of the Uzbek armed forces presented a ceremonial salute in his honor.
During his visit, the prime minister laid a wreath at the Independence Monument in Tashkent, recognizing Uzbekistan’s rich history and progress toward sovereignty. He also praised Uzbekistan’s resilience and development, drawing parallels to Pakistan’s own journey of independence and growth.
