Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi announced the resolution of long-standing passport delays during the inauguration of a modernized Passport Office in Islamabad.
Naqvi highlighted significant improvements in the operations of NADRA and the Passport Office, attributing the changes to modernization efforts aimed at restoring public confidence in these institutions.
“We have cleared the backlog of passport applications, which previously extended up to six months. Citizens can now expect to receive passports within the designated time frame,” he assured.
He emphasized the necessity of establishing a dedicated Passport Authority to address recurring issues effectively. However, its formation has been delayed due to the involvement of multiple departments. Naqvi expressed optimism that the Passport Office would soon evolve into a fully operational authority.
He pointed out that bureaucratic delays had not only hindered services but also prevented employees from receiving their due salaries for two years. Eliminating such red tape, he added, is key to ensuring more efficient operations.
To enhance accessibility, Naqvi announced the launch of 24-hour passport counters in 14 to 16 cities across Pakistan. These counters aim to provide round-the-clock services, making passport issuance more convenient for citizens.
“Immediate 24-hour services are already available at the Islamabad Passport Office. We are also planning to establish similar facilities in Lahore and Karachi,” Naqvi shared.
Additionally, he revealed that the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) is conducting large-scale efforts to further streamline the process and ensure efficiency.
