Islamabad: Pakistan and Azerbaijan have signed an agreement to establish the Aasaan Khidmat Markaz in Islamabad, a facility designed to provide citizens with civic services under one roof. The agreement was formalized between the State Agency for Public Service and Social Innovation of Azerbaijan and Pakistan's Ministry of Information Technology and Telecommunications, with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif present to witness the signing ceremony.

According to Radio Pakistan, Prime Minister Sharif also held a meeting with Ulvi Mehdiyev, Chairman of the State Agency for Public Service and Social Innovation of Azerbaijan. During the meeting, the Prime Minister highlighted that the establishment of the Aasaan Khidmat Markaz marks a significant milestone in the friendship between Pakistan and Azerbaijan. The new center aims to streamline access to services from multiple departments for the citizens of Islamabad, positioning itself as a pivotal development in public service facilitation.

The Prime Minister emphasized the importance of maintaining merit and transparency in the recruitment process for the center. He also directed the formulation of a comprehensive strategy to merge the Business Sahulat Markaz with the Asaan Khidmat Markaz, underscoring the government's commitment to a cashless economy. He announced plans to eventually expand the Aasaan Khidmat Markaz model to other cities across Pakistan.

Expressing gratitude to Azerbaijan's President Ilham Aliyev and his government, Prime Minister Sharif acknowledged their expertise and oversight, which have been instrumental in the initiative. He expressed optimism that the project would further enhance economic cooperation between the two countries.

The initiative follows Prime Minister Sharif's visit to Azerbaijan, where he toured the Asaan Khidmat Markaz in Baku and subsequently directed the establishment of a similar center in Islamabad, seeking Azerbaijan's collaboration for its implementation.