Islamabad: The Federal Government has authorized the initiation of the tendering process for the establishment of Asaan Khidmat Centres in Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) and Gilgit-Baltistan (GB), as revealed in a meeting chaired by Federal Minister for Economic Affairs and Establishment Division Senator Ahad Cheema. The meeting also evaluated models for extending these services to additional cities.
According to Press Information Department, Senator Cheema instructed the Chief Secretaries of AJK and GB, who participated virtually, to commence the tendering process in line with the Prime Minister’s directives. The Federal Government is set to provide the necessary funding for this initiative. Emphasizing prompt action, Senator Cheema reiterated the importance of adhering to the Prime Minister’s directions.
The meeting assessed various operational models for the expansion of Asaan Khidmat Centre services. These included a hybrid model with government facilities and private management, a fully private model with government licensing, and a government-operated model. Senator Cheema called for a feasibility study and proposals to be submitted to the Prime Minister based on these models.
Additionally, the meeting addressed potential revenue-sharing arrangements with service-providing departments such as NADRA and the Immigration and Passports Department. Senator Cheema advocated for departments to contribute to operating costs, emphasizing that the public should not bear additional charges. He expressed satisfaction with the current operations of the Asaan Khidmat Centre in G-9, Islamabad, and instructed for further improvements.
The use of centrally located post offices and other government buildings for Asaan Khidmat services was also discussed, with a directive for a feasibility study on this option. However, no implementation decision was reached. The meeting was attended by Federal Minister for IT and Telecommunication Shaza Fatima Khawaja, Secretary Inter-Provincial Coordination Mohyuddin Wani, Secretary Communications Ali Sher Masood, representatives from the Ministry of Finance, and senior officials from the Prime Minister’s Office.