DG Immigration and Passports Announces Resolution of Passport Backlog
Mustafa Jamal Qazi, Director General (DG) of Immigration and Passports, has delivered positive news regarding the issuance of passports, announcing that the backlog of passport processing in major cities has been cleared.
Overcoming Delays
In his statement, Qazi expressed gratitude to citizens for their patience, acknowledging the delays in passport delivery. He explained that limited printing resources had posed challenges, but efforts to improve the situation had been successful. Currently, 65,000 passport applications are being processed daily, although only 23,000 passports are being printed each day due to resource limitations.
However, Qazi reassured that new printers are expected to arrive in Pakistan within a month, which will help return the passport issuance process to normal.
Priority to Major Cities and Overseas Pakistanis
The DG also noted that priority has been given to cities with high international travel demands, including Islamabad, Karachi, and Lahore, where the backlog has been resolved. Additionally, efforts have been made to clear the backlog of passports applied for online from abroad, with over 24,000 passports delivered to overseas Pakistanis.
New Systems and Future Plans
Qazi mentioned that the delays were partly due to a revamping process within the passport office. A new dashboard system for managing passport applications is being implemented, along with the procurement of modern printers, which have already been ordered. The delivery of these printers will further enhance the processing capabilities, ensuring faster service in the future.
This initiative is part of an ongoing effort to modernize and improve the efficiency of the passport office, providing better service to both domestic and international applicants.