We would like to benefit from Azerbaijan’s experience. I would be happy to see a copy of it in Islamabad, says PM Shehbaz Sharif
TASHKENT – Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Tuesday visited the Asan Khidmat centre in Baku that provides one-stop access to over 400 services to residents and vowed to replicate the model in Islamabad.
The prime minister toured the facility, equipped with modern technology and excellent human resources, which he said reflects the vision and dynamism of Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev. He also praised the latest gadgets, and all public amenities and social services available at the facility. “I also visited a startup center INNOLAND, where young people and volunteers are active. It is one of the most innovative centers I have visited around the world. My brother Ilham Aliyev gets full marks for his thoughtful and visionary leadership.
The Prime Minister said that while such centers already exist in Pakistan, including in Punjab and other cities, the Asan Khidmat Center in Baku stands out in terms of scale and advanced technology that provides all the necessary institutions and service delivery systems to meet the needs of the common man under one roof.
We would like to benefit from the experience of Azerbaijan. I would be happy to see it replicated in Islamabad.” Shahbaz Sharif said that Pakistan wants to start a pilot project in Islamabad based on the Asan Khidmat model and his country will sign an agreement with Azerbaijan to benefit from their experience. He also invited a team from the center to visit Pakistan to explore opportunities for cooperation.
During the visit, the Prime Minister was welcomed by the Chairman of the State Agency for Public Service and Social Innovation, Alvi Mahdiyev. During the briefing, he said that Asan Khidmat has become a well-known institution due to its excellent performance in providing easy public services. He said that the one-stop model facilitates the delivery of public services and provides citizens with access to more than 400 services of 30 government and 15 private institutions, all under one roof.
Mahdiyev briefed the Prime Minister that the center was launched as part of comprehensive institutional governance reforms that ensure transparent, accountable and efficient delivery of public services, in which citizen feedback plays a key role in improving the driving force. Shahbaz was also briefed about the mobile Asan Khidmat service, which includes specially designed buses and trains and is 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 Prime Minister is visiting the Central Asian country at the invitation of Uzbek President Shavkat Mirziyoyev. The Prime Minister was received at the airport by senior diplomatic and government officials including Uzbek Prime Minister Abdullah Aripov, Foreign Minister Bakhtiar Saidov, Tashkent Mayor Shavkat Umarzakov, Uzbek Ambassador to Pakistan Alisher Takhitayev and Pakistani Ambassador to Uzbekistan Ahmed Farooq.
A flamboyant contingent of the Uzbek Armed Forces presented a ceremonial welcome to the Prime Minister. During the visit, Prime Minister Shehbaz visited the Independence Monument in Tashkent and laid a wreath at the monument that symbolizes Uzbekistan’s glorious history and journey towards independence. He also praised Uzbekistan’s progress and resilience, drawing parallels with Pakistan’s struggle for freedom and development. The Independence Monument is a testament to the courage and determination of the Uzbek people. Pakistan and Uzbekistan share a shared 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 this occasion, the Prime Minister was also briefed about the 3000-year history of the Uzbek nation and its heroes. The visit to the monument will follow a series of high-level meetings with Uzbek officials, which will focus on enhancing trade, energy cooperation and cultural exchanges. Both countries are committed to promoting regional connectivity and economic integration. He said that Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s visit to Uzbekistan is an important step in strengthening the strategic partnership between the two countries. The press release added that the visit is expected to lead to new agreements in areas such as agriculture, regional connectivity, technology and education, which will further strengthen relations between Pakistan and Uzbekistan.
The Prime Minister will hold a bilateral meeting with Uzbek President Shavkat Mirziyoyev. Discussions will be held on enhancing cooperation between Uzbekistan and Pakistan in the areas of regional connectivity, trade, investment, energy, defense, security, regional stability and education. The two leaders will also discuss global and regional issues of mutual interest. The two sides will also sign memorandums of understanding and bilateral cooperation agreements.
He will address the Pakistan-Uzbekistan Business Forum aimed at promoting bilateral trade and investment relations. In addition, he will visit the Techno Park in Tashkent to observe the construction industry of Uzbekistan. 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 the Prime Minister Tariq Fatemi.
