KARACHI:
The ongoing delays in passport issuance have become a significant concern in Pakistan, with complaints steadily increasing over the past several months. As reported by immigration authorities in late April, the backlog of pending passports had reached a staggering 600,000, including both urgent and fast-track applications. This situation has led to growing frustration among citizens, particularly those who expected timely processing of their applications.
According to officials, many passport applications submitted with the standard fee have not been printed since December 2023. Even those who paid for urgent processing, which should ideally be completed within five business days, have had to wait anywhere from three weeks to a month. This delay has left applicants in a state of uncertainty, with no established communication mechanism to inform them of the status of their passports.
In response to this growing issue, Federal Minister for Law and Parliamentary Affairs Azam Nazir Tarar provided some reassurance during a recent National Assembly session. He assured the assembly that the issue would be resolved within two months and further explained that the existing machinery and software, installed in 2004, were designed to meet the demands of that time. However, with daily demand now reaching 45,000, the system has been overwhelmed.
To address these challenges, tenders have been issued for the import of new machinery and modern printers. While these measures are promising, the authorities must ensure that the issue is resolved within the promised timeframe. Furthermore, the government needs to establish a clear and efficient communication system to inform applicants about potential delays in passport issuance, preventing unnecessary frustration and anxiety.
Gulab Umid
Turbat
