LAHORE: Long queues, repeated visits to offices and complicated procedures have made the process of obtaining official documents a frustrating experience for millions of citizens. Punjab’s Dastak service will change that by providing essential government services at the doorstep.

The initiative launched under the leadership of Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif is being run by the Punjab Information Technology Board (PITB) and allows residents to apply for various public services online or to get them via doorstep delivery. The platform provides services for driving licenses, birth certificates, vehicle registrations and many other government documents.

Citizens can access the service through the Dastak website, mobile application or helpline 1202. “The pilot project was started in Lahore in 2024, and now it has reached 40 districts across Punjab, making it much more accessible and far-reaching.”

An important component of the program is its cadre of trained facilitators who help applicants and deliver documents for a small service fee. The move has been lauded by many users as saving valuable time and avoiding the hassle of running from pillar to post at government offices.

The response has been positive but some residents in smaller cities and rural areas have complained of technical problems with the mobile application. Officials admit these are challenges and are saying fixes are being implemented to improve performance and user experience.

Authorities have also urged citizens to be vigilant and download only the official version of the app so as to prevent fraud. The province’s government is continuing to modernize the delivery of public services with new complaint management tools and system updates.

With digital governance catching up, Dastak is a big step in bringing government services faster, simpler and more accessible to ordinary citizens.

 
Credit: Independent News Pakistan (INP)