The upgrade is expected to increase daily passport printing capacity from the current 22,000 to approximately 55,000. To address the passport printing challenges, authorities have announced the procurement of significant new equipment.
The plan includes acquiring 20 new laminators and printers, along with 5 modern Reprint Management Printers (RMPs) and 2 e-passport printers. These machines will substantially enhance passport production capacity, allowing for the issuance of up to 1,000 passports per hour.
In preparation for this increase in production, authorities have also ordered lamination paper stock for the next six months. This strategic move aims to alleviate the existing backlog, with operations expected to normalize by the last week of September.
To further support ongoing production needs, authorities plan to purchase additional printers twice a year to ensure continuous enhancement of printing capacity.
Additionally, a new database system will be implemented to expedite processing and facilitate quicker data verification with institutions such as NADRA.
This decision comes in response to concerns raised during a National Assembly session, where members of the Pakistan People’s Party issued an ‘attention notice’ regarding delays in passport issuance.
In response, Law Minister Azam Nazir Tarar assured that the new system would resolve the passport printing issues by September, expressing optimism that the overhaul would effectively address the current backlog of passport applications.
