In the modern era of digitalization, the Government of Punjab has taken a revolutionary step to facilitate its citizens. Gone are the days of standing in long queues, dealing with aggressive agents, and wasting hours at government offices for simple documentation.
The solution is here: “Maryam Ki Dastak.”
If you are wondering “Dastak App kya hai?” or looking for a step-by-step guide on “How to Register on Dastak App,” you have come to the right place. This comprehensive guide will cover everything you need to know about this groundbreaking initiative, the services it offers, and how you can access government services from the comfort of your living room.
What is the Dastak App?
The “Maryam Ki Dastak” initiative is a flagship project launched by the Chief Minister of Punjab, Maryam Nawaz. Its primary goal is to bring public service delivery directly to the citizens’ doorstep.
Think of it as the “Uber” or “Foodpanda” for government services. Instead of you going to a facilitation center (Khidmat Markaz), a trained representative (known as a Dastak Facilitator) comes to your house to process your application.
Sarkari Sahuliyat, Apki Dehleez Par
The app is designed to eliminate the “Thana Katchery” culture and the hassle of visiting multiple offices for a single document. Whether you need a learner’s driving license, a birth certificate, or a vehicle transfer, the Dastak App bridges the gap between the government and the commoner through technology.
Key Features of the App:
- Doorstep Delivery: No need to visit banks or offices.
- Time-Saving: Complete processes in minutes rather than days.
- Transparency: Fixed government fees with no hidden charges or bribes (Rishwat).
- Real-Time Tracking: Track your application status in real time.
- Secure Payments: Digital payment options to ensure safety.
Services Offered by Maryam Ki Dastak App
The Punjab Information Technology Board (PITB) has developed this app to cover a wide range of departments. Currently, the app offers 10-15 essential services, with plans to expand further.
Here is a list of the key services you can access right now:
1. Driving License Services (Police Dept)
- Learner’s License: Apply for a new learner permit.
- Renewal: Renew your expired learner permit.
- International License: Apply for an International Driving Permit.
2. Excise & Taxation
- Vehicle Transfer: Ownership transfer for cars and motorcycles.
- Token Tax Payment: Pay annual vehicle taxes.
- New Vehicle Registration: Register a newly bought vehicle.
3. Local Government Services
- Birth Certificate: Registration of a newborn.
- Death Certificate: Official record of a deceased person.
- Marriage Certificate (Nikkah Nama): Computerized registration.
- Divorce Certificate: Official divorce documentation.
4. Other Services
- Domicile Certificate: Apply for a new domicile.
- E-Stamping: Judicial and non-judicial stamp papers.
- Property Tax: Payment of property taxes.
How to Register on the Dastak App
Registration on the Dastak App is designed to be user-friendly. Follow these simple steps to create your account and start using the services.
Step 1: Download the Application
The app is available for both Android and iOS users.
- Go to the Google Play Store or Apple App Store.
- Search for “Dastak – Doorstep Services.”
- Click Install/Download.
Step 2: Sign Up (Account Creation)
Once the app is installed, open it. You will see a welcome screen.
- Click on the “Sign Up” or “Register” button.
- You will be asked to enter your Mobile Number.
- Click “Next/Proceed.”
Step 3: OTP Verification
To ensure security, the app will send a One-Time Password (OTP) to the mobile number you provided.
- Check your SMS inbox.
- Enter the four or 6-digit code into the app.
- This verifies that the phone number is yours.
Step 4: Personal Details
Now, you need to build your profile. Since these are official government documents, accuracy is key.
- Full Name: Enter your name exactly as it appears on your CNIC.
- CNIC Number: Enter your 13-digit Computerized National Identity Card number.
- Email Address: (Optional but recommended for receipts).
Step 5: Set a Password
Create a strong password to secure your account. Once done, click “Register.”
Congratulations! You have successfully registered on the Maryam Ki Dastak App. You will now be directed to the main dashboard, where you can see all available services.
How to Order a Service
Now that you are registered, how do you actually get a service delivered to your home? Here is the workflow:
- Select Service: Open the app and tap on the service you need (e.g., “Learner Driving License”).
- Enter Details: Fill in the basic requirements. For a license, this might include your CNIC and photo.
- Book an Appointment: You can choose “Now” or schedule a specific time for the Dastak Facilitator to visit you.
- Location Pin: Set your home or office location on the map.
- Assigning a Facilitator: The app will assign a nearby “Dastak Representative.” You will see their name and photo.
- The Visit: The representative arrives at your doorstep with a tablet. They will take your picture, scan your documents, and process the application right in front of you.
- Payment: You pay the government fee plus a nominal service charge (delivery fee) via mobile banking (JazzCash/EasyPaisa) or bank transfer.
- Completion: You receive a digital receipt. The physical document (if applicable, like a license card) will be mailed to you via Pakistan Post or courier.
The Dastak Facilitator
The “Dastak” initiative is not just about spending money; it’s also about earning it. The government has introduced a Gig Economy model similar to ride-sharing apps.
Citizens can register as “Dastak Facilitators.”
- Who can apply? Anyone with a clean record, a smartphone, and a means of transport (motorbike).
- The Job: You accept requests from citizens, travel to their location, collect documents, and submit them to the relevant department via the app.
- The Earning: Facilitators earn a commission on every service request they fulfill.
To register as a facilitator, you need to download the “Dastak Facilitator App” and undergo a screening and training process by PITB.
Why You Should Use the Dastak App
1. Combating the Agent Mafia
For decades, citizens have been exploited by “touts” and agents outside government offices who charge 5x or 10x the actual fee. Dastak eliminates the middleman. You pay exactly what the government prescribes.
2. Convenience for Women and the Elderly
Cultural barriers or mobility issues often make it difficult for women and senior citizens to visit crowded government offices. Dastak empowers them to access their rights from the safety of their homes.
3. Traceability
When you submit a file manually in an office, it often gets “lost.” With Dastak, every step is digital. You have a digital trail and a complaint mechanism if the service is delayed.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Is the Dastak App safe to use?
A: Yes, it is an official app developed by PITB (Punjab Information Technology Board). All data is encrypted and linked directly to government databases, such as NADRA.
Q: What is the fee for using Dastak?
A: You pay the standard government fee for the document (e.g., Rs. 500 for a learner’s license) plus a “Service/Delivery Fee” which goes to the facilitator and the platform. This service fee is usually nominal compared to the travel cost and time saved.
Q: Is this available all over Pakistan?
A: Currently, the service is active in Lahore and the central districts of Punjab. The government plans to expand it to all districts of Punjab soon.
Q: Can I pay with cash?
A: The app encourages digital payments to ensure transparency, but check the specific service options for cash-on-delivery availability.
Conclusion
The Maryam Ki Dastak App is a game-changer for governance in Pakistan. It represents a shift from “File-moving” to “Service-moving.” By digitizing the interface between the state and the citizen, the Punjab government is saving millions of hours of public time and reducing opportunities for corruption.
If you haven’t downloaded the app yet, do it today. Whether you need to renew a license or get a birth certificate, the Dastak App ensures that the government is just a click away.
Stop waiting in lines. Let the service knock on your door.