Pakistan, Azerbaijan Agree to Expand ASAN Service Centres Following Leaders’ Talks
ISLAMABAD, PAKISTAN — WEB DESK: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Azerbaijan President Ilham Aliyev have agreed to strengthen cooperation on public service delivery, trade and investment, with Baku pledging expertise to help Pakistan expand a network of citizen service centres modelled on Azerbaijan’s ASAN system.
The agreement emerged during a telephone conversation between the two leaders on Saturday, October 10, as Islamabad and Baku reviewed their bilateral relationship and discussed regional developments.
Azerbaijan Offers Support for ASAN Service Centres
A major focus of the conversation was the progress of an ASAN-style public service centre in Islamabad.
Both leaders expressed satisfaction with the initiative, describing it as a practical example of cooperation that could directly benefit citizens.
At Shehbaz Sharif’s request, President Aliyev agreed to provide Azerbaijan’s expertise and support for expanding the service centre network across Pakistan.
The ASAN service model is designed to make government services more accessible by bringing different administrative functions together in a coordinated system.
The leaders did not announce a specific number of new centres, a construction timetable or a funding package for the proposed expansion.
Leaders Seek Stronger Trade and Investment Ties
Shehbaz Sharif reaffirmed Pakistan’s close relationship with Azerbaijan, describing it as a strategic partnership built on mutual trust and support.
Both leaders agreed that their countries should translate longstanding political cooperation into stronger economic ties.
They discussed opportunities to expand trade, investment and mutually beneficial development projects.
The conversation reflected a shared intention to strengthen economic cooperation, although no new investment agreement or financial commitment was announced.
Pakistan’s Regional Peace Efforts Discussed
The prime minister also briefed President Aliyev on Pakistan’s diplomatic efforts to promote dialogue, reduce tensions and encourage regional stability.
Aliyev welcomed Islamabad’s mediation and diplomatic engagement, recognising the importance of dialogue and de-escalation.
The leaders exchanged views on regional and international developments and stressed the need for continued consultation on issues of mutual concern.
No new ceasefire agreement or formal mediation arrangement was announced during the conversation.
Islamabad and Baku Reaffirm Strategic Partnership
The two leaders reiterated their commitment to maintaining close political and diplomatic contact.
They emphasised the importance of ensuring that their relationship delivers practical benefits to the people of both countries.
Pakistan and Azerbaijan have maintained cooperation across diplomatic, economic and strategic areas, with both governments seeking to deepen bilateral engagement.
Focus Shifts to Implementation
The most concrete development from the telephone call was Azerbaijan’s agreement to support the expansion of ASAN-style service centres across Pakistan.
Further details will be needed to determine how many centres may be established, which public services they will provide and when the expansion could begin.
The conversation reaffirmed Pakistan–Azerbaijan strategic ties while placing citizen services, trade and investment at the centre of future cooperation.
