Due to widespread fraudulent activities at the Lahore Passport Office, Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi recently suspended two top officers.
ISLAMABAD: Applicants in Pakistan, trying to get normal or urgent category passports, are experiencing significant delays due to a slow printing process caused by technical issues.
To address the problem, the Finance Ministry has allotted funds to clear the existing backlog of over 800,000 passports across the country.
Sources within the Passport office said international tenders have reportedly been released for the purchase of printing and e-passport equipment, and advertising for the purchase of lamination paper.
The media cited the insiders as saying that the backlog is anticipated to be quickly cleared up after passport machinery and lamination paper purchasing is finalized.
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According to immigration and passport officials, the daily printing capacity is 20,000 to 25,000 passports, with priority given to fast-track and urgent applications. In addition, the officials reported that 40 to 45 thousand applications for passport issues are received every day.
When contacted, Assistant Director Tanveer recommended using fast-track or urgent services for quicker processing, saying that normal passport issuance takes four to five months. He also advised using online services for passport renewals to avoid office visits.
Due to widespread fraudulent activities at the Lahore Passport Office, Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi recently suspended two top officers.
