MARDAN, Pakistan — Authorities in Pakistan's northwestern Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province have launched a modern Police Facilitation Center in the district of Mardan, bringing a wide range of police-related services under one roof in an effort to improve public access and streamline administrative procedures.

The new center allows residents to obtain driving licenses, apply for police character and visa clearance certificates, and register rented residential or commercial properties without having to visit multiple police stations or offices.

Officials say services that previously required repeated visits and often took several days can now be completed within a few hours at a single location.

The initiative was launched under the leadership of District Police Officer (DPO) Masood Ahmed Bangash, who described the project as part of broader efforts to make policing more transparent, efficient, and citizen-friendly.

The facility is designed to provide a professional environment where citizens can receive services without relying on personal connections or recommendations, a longstanding concern in public service delivery across parts of Pakistan.

Since assuming office, Bangash has introduced a series of reforms aimed at strengthening law enforcement and improving community policing in Mardan.

Among the initiatives are intensified operations against drug traffickers and narcotics networks, as well as campaigns targeting illegal land occupation, commonly known in Pakistan as the "land-grabbing mafia."

Police officials also say the time required to address public complaints has been significantly reduced, with many cases now being resolved within hours instead of days.

In addition to public-facing reforms, the district police administration has invested in improving welfare facilities for police personnel.

A modern, air-conditioned dining hall has been established at the Mardan Police Lines, alongside a new canteen intended to provide officers and Jawan with improved working conditions.

New residential accommodation blocks have also been constructed, with room coolers installed to improve living conditions during the region's hot summer months.

Senior officials say improving officers' welfare is expected to enhance morale and operational effectiveness, particularly for personnel who spend long hours on duty.

The reforms have also received support from the Inspector General of Police, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Zulfiqar Hameed, who has backed efforts to modernize policing and improve both public service delivery and the welfare of police personnel across the province.

The Mardan Police Facilitation Center is among a growing number of initiatives in Pakistan aimed at digitizing government services, reducing bureaucratic delays, and improving public trust in law enforcement institutions.

If replicated elsewhere, officials say the model could help transform police service delivery in other districts across the country.