GUJRANWALA: Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi has ordered the removal of the entire staff at a regional passport office in Gujranwala after finding the facility closed before official working hours.
Naqvi made an unannounced visit to the passport office and found its doors locked at around 4pm. Citizens seeking passport services were reportedly turned away, while cleaning staff were already preparing to close the facility.
The regional passport office is officially scheduled to remain open until 4:30pm.
Mohsin Naqvi Questions Early Closure
The interior minister expressed anger over the early closure and questioned officials about the decision to lock the office before the end of working hours.
“If the office timing is until 4:30pm, why has it been locked at 4pm?” Naqvi asked.
He also questioned the absence of employees and the treatment of citizens who had arrived to obtain passport services.
“Are public service offices supposed to operate like this?” the minister asked.
According to the Interior Ministry, only one employee was present when Naqvi arrived. However, the official could not provide satisfactory answers to the minister’s questions regarding the office’s closure and staff absence.
Staff Faces Disciplinary Action
Following the inspection, Naqvi ordered the removal of the entire staff from their current positions. He also directed the relevant authorities to initiate disciplinary proceedings against the employees for negligence in performing their official duties.
The minister stressed that public offices must provide services during their officially notified working hours. He further warned officials that negligence in serving citizens would not be tolerated.
Naqvi’s action comes as the government continues to focus on improving the delivery of public services and holding officials accountable for administrative lapses.
The incident also highlights concerns over compliance with official working hours at government facilities, particularly offices responsible for essential services.
Authorities are expected to take further action against the staff following the minister’s directives.
