There is a need for prompt action to create a friendly environment at regional passport offices
HYDERABAD: I was happy to recently receive an SMS from passport authorities regarding the status of my passport application. However, at the passport office, as I tried to hand an official the relevant receipt for my application, a woman misbehaved with him and he mistakenly thought it was me, at which point he threatened to throw me out of the office. Upon a written complaint to the assistant director, I was informed that the official was shouting generally and not specifically at me.
I am shocked that while the passport office tries to introduce 21st century technology into its system, it still has not fulfilled a basic practice like the training of its staff in how to deal with the public in a respectful manner. There is a need for prompt action to create a friendly environment at regional passport offices — the experience need not be unpleasant.
Hassan Ali Syed
Published in The Express Tribune, February 3rd, 2016.
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