Passport backlog likely to ease by Sept end

ISLAMABAD:

Citizens may soon breathe a sigh of relief as the passport backlog is expected to begin easing by the last week of September, following the authorities' decision to procure new laminators and printers to expedite the processing of the travel document.

According to sources, the Pakistan Passport Office has been grappling with a severe financial crisis, struggling to pay taxes and duties on the imported paper and ink necessary for printing passports.

Businessmen, students with academic commitments, individuals needing to travel abroad for medical reasons, and those planning family visits have all been affected by the inordinate delay in passport issuance.

It was reported that the backlog of passports in May was 0.8 million applications.

On Saturday, it was reported that the passport authorities had decided to acquire 20 new laminators, 20 printers, five advanced RMP machines, and two e-passport printers. With these additions, 1,000 new passports are expected to be printed per hour.

Sources stated that the printing capacity for passports will increase from 22,000 to 55,000 per day following the acquisition of modern printers and laminators.

The passport authorities have ordered a six-month supply of lamination paper. With the decision to procure new printers, the backlog is expected to start easing by the last week of September.

The authorities have also decided to purchase printers twice a year to enhance printing capacity.

A new database will also be established at the passport office to enhance passport processing speed.