Citizens seeking to obtain passports are facing severe difficulties due to significant delays in the issuance process, despite paying thousands of rupees in fees.
Long queues and heavy crowds have been reported at passport offices across the country. Applicants have expressed frustration as they wait hours without receiving their documents, with many unable to even submit their applications.
The administration blames the delay on a technical issue, stating that the computerized system is down due to an internet link failure. However, there has been no clear indication from officials as to when the issue will be resolved, leaving applicants uncertain about when they will receive their passports.
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Those who came to the offices in hopes of swift processing are now stuck in limbo, with no clear timeline for resolution. Many citizens have shared concerns about the impact of these delays on their travel plans, job opportunities, and other important commitments.
Earlier, the in an important government decision to renew new and old passports, the Ministry of Interior sent a summary for an amendment to the passport rules to the cabinet. After amendment to the rules, a passport can be made from any city making a smooth passage for the citizens who want to go abroad for immigration, education, and job purposes.
Several Pakistani nationals are actively perusing visas for the United States, the United Kingdom and European countries. The rules will be amended after approval of the cabinet.
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In a bid to tackle the passport printing issue, the authorities earlier announced the procurement of significant new equipment. The plan included the acquisition of 20 new laminators and printers, alongside five modern RMPs (Reprint Management Printers) and two e-passport printers.
The introduction of these new machines was supposed to substantially improve the passport production capacity. According to the authorities, the new printers and laminators will enable the issuance of up to 1,000 passports per hour. This upgrade is expected to boost the daily printing capacity from the current 22,000 to approximately 55,000 passports.
In preparation for this increased production, the authorities have also ordered lamination paper stock for the next six months. This strategic move is anticipated to alleviate the backlog, with operations expected to return to normal by the last week of September.
