Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi announced the resolution of the prolonged delays in passport issuance during the inauguration of a modern Passport Office in Islamabad.
At the event, Naqvi highlighted that the modernization efforts for both NADRA and the Passport Office have led to significant improvements, which are anticipated to restore public confidence in these institutions.
“We have successfully addressed the backlog of passport applications that previously extended up to six months, allowing citizens to receive their passports within the designated timeframe,” Naqvi remarked.
The minister pointed out that the establishment of a Passport Authority is essential to resolving ongoing passport-related challenges.
While he recognized the necessity of this authority, Naqvi mentioned that its creation has been postponed due to the involvement of various departments.
Nevertheless, he expressed optimism about transforming the Passport Office into a fully functional authority in the near future.
“The absence of this authority has resulted in citizens being unable to receive their rightful salaries for two years, and it is only by cutting through bureaucratic obstacles that we can provide a more efficient service,” he stated.
To further streamline the process, Naqvi announced the introduction of 24-hour passport counters in 14 to 16 cities across Pakistan. These counters will provide continuous service, ensuring that citizens can obtain passports at their convenience.
“Immediate 24-hour services are now operational at the Islamabad Passport Office, and we are currently in talks to establish similar offices in Lahore and Karachi,” Naqvi concluded.
