Federal push for citizen-service centres: Asaan Khidmat Centres
Citizens in Azad Kashmir and Gilgit-Baltistan will soon access Asaan Khidmat Centres, the one-window service hubs that bundle government services under a single roof.
Federal Minister for Economic Affairs and Establishment Division Senator Ahad Cheema chaired a review meeting on the expansion. The chief secretaries of AJK and GB joined the session virtually and agreed to start the tendering process for the new centres. The federal government will provide the required funds for the rollout.
Three expansion models on the table
Officials reviewed three models for running the centres. The first is a hybrid model, where the government provides the facility and a private operator runs it. The second is a fully private licensed model. The third is a government-operated model.
A feasibility study covering these options will be submitted to the Prime Minister for a final decision. The meeting also considered a revenue-sharing arrangement with NADRA and the Immigration and Passports Department, which is still under study.
What services will the centres offer?
An Asaan Khidmat Centre offers more than 60 services under one roof. These include passport applications, NADRA services, domicile certificates, and birth and death certificates.
For residents of AJK and GB, many of whom travel long distances for routine paperwork, the centres could cut down travel time and queues. Federal Minister for IT Shaza Fatima Khawaja also attended the meeting, underlining the push for digital and efficient public services.
Background
Asaan Khidmat Centres are part of the government’s drive to bring public services closer to citizens through a single point of access. The expansion to AJK and GB extends a model already in use in other parts of the country. The tendering process is the next step before construction or setup begins.
Frequently asked questions
What are Asaan Khidmat Centres?
Asaan Khidmat Centres are one-window citizen-service hubs that offer more than 60 government services under one roof, including passports, NADRA services, domicile certificates, and birth and death certificates.
Which regions will get new Asaan Khidmat Centres?
Azad Jammu and Kashmir and Gilgit-Baltistan will receive new centres. The chief secretaries of both regions joined the review meeting and agreed to begin the tendering process, with the federal government providing funds.
How will the new centres be operated?
Three models are under review: a hybrid model with a government facility and private operator, a fully private licensed model, and a government-operated model. A feasibility study will go to the Prime Minister for a decision.
When will the Asaan Khidmat Centres open in AJK and GB?
No opening date has been announced yet. The tendering process is starting first, and the feasibility study must be approved before work on the centres begins.
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Originally reported by propakistani.pk.
