PM to initiate pilot project based on Azerbaijan service model

TASHKENT: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Tuesday visited the “Asan Khidmat” (ASAN XIDMAT) centre in Baku providing one-stop access to over 400 services to the residents and vowed to replicate the model in Islamabad.

The prime minister took a round of the facility equipped with modern technology and “excellent” human resources which he said reflected the foresight and dynamism of Azerbaijan’s President Ilham Aliyev. He also praised the most modern gadgets, and all public utilities and social services available at the facility. “I also visited a startup center INNOLAND, where youngsters and volunteers are actively engaged. It is one of the most modern centres I have visited around the globe. Full marks go to my brother Ilham Aliyev for his thought-provoking and visionary leadership,” he remarked.

The prime minister said that though such centres already existed in Pakistan, including Punjab and other cities, Baku’s Asan Khidmat centre stood out in terms of scale and modern technology providing all essential entities and service delivery system under one roof to cater to the common man’s needs.

“We would love to benefit from Azerbaijan’s experience. I would be happy to have a replica of this in Islamabad,” he said. Shehbaz said that Pakistan would like to initiate a pilot project in Islamabad based on the Asan Khidmat model and that his country would sign an agreement with Azerbaijan to benefit from their experience. He also invited a team from the centre to visit Pakistan to explore cooperation opportunities.

During the visit, the Chairman of the State Agency for Public Service and Social Innovation, Ulvi Mehdiyev, welcomed the prime minister. During the briefing, he said that Asan Khidmat had become a renowned institution due to its excellent performance in providing efficient public services. He said that the one-stop model facilitates the delivery of public services and provides citizens access to over 400 services from 30 government and 15 private institutions, all under one roof.

Mehdiyev briefed the prime minister that the centre was launched as part of comprehensive institutional governance reforms which ensure transparent, accountable and efficient delivery of public services, with citizens feedback playing a crucial role in driving improvements. Shehbaz was also briefed about the Mobile Asan Khidmat service, which includes specially designed buses and a train and delivering essential public services directly to local communities. Later the prime minister left Baku for Tashkent.

Meanwhile, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif arrived in Tashkent on a two-day visit. The premier is visiting the Central Asian nation at the invitation of President of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev. Uzbekistan’s Prime Minister Abdulla Aripov, Foreign Minister Bakhtiyor Saidov, Tashkent’s Mayor Shavkat Umurzakov, Uzbekistan’s Ambassador to Pakistan Alisher Takhitayev, and Pakistan’s Ambassador to Uzbekistan Ahmed Farooq, along with senior diplomatic and government officials welcomed the prime minister at the airport.

A contingent of the Uzbek armed forces presented a salute to the prime minister. During the visit, Prime Minister Shehbaz visited the Independence Monument in Tashkent and laid a wreath at the monument signifying Uzbekistan’s rich history and its journey toward sovereignty. He also expressed admiration for Uzbekistan’s progress and resilience, drawing parallels with Pakistan’s struggle for independence and development. “The Independence Monument stands as a testament to the courage and determination of the Uzbek people. Pakistan and Uzbekistan share a common vision for peace, prosperity, and regional connectivity. This visit is a reminder of our shared values and the need to work together for a brighter future,” the press release quoted the prime minister as saying.

On the occasion, the prime minister was also briefed about the 3,000-year history of the Uzbek nation and its heroes. The visit to the monument would follow a series of high-level meetings with Uzbek officials, focusing on enhancing trade, energy cooperation and cultural exchanges. Both nations are committed to bolstering regional connectivity and economic integration. “Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s visit to Uzbekistan marks a significant step in strengthening the strategic partnership between the two countries. The trip is expected to yield new agreements in areas such as agriculture, regional connectivity, technology and education, further solidifying the bond between Pakistan and Uzbekistan,” the press release further added.

The prime minister will hold a bilateral meeting with the President of Uzbekistan, Shavkat Mirziyoyev. Discussions will focus on enhancing cooperation between Uzbekistan and Pakistan in regional connectivity, trade, investment, energy, defence, security, regional stability and education. The two leaders will also exchange views on global and regional issues of mutual interest. Both sides will also sign Memorandums of Understanding and agreements on bilateral cooperation.

He will address a Pakistan-Uzbekistan Business Forum aimed at boosting bilateral trade and investment ties. Besides, he will visit the Techno Park in Tashkent to observe Uzbekistan’s construction industry. The prime minister is accompanied by Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar, Minister for Commerce Jam Kamal Khan, Minister for Investment and Privatization Abdul Aleem Khan, Minister for Information and Broadcasting Attaullah Tarar, and Special Assistant to PM Tariq Fatemi.