Major passport reforms unveiled for public ease

ISLAMABAD:

In a move to streamline passport services for the public, the federal government has announced significant amendments to the passport regulations.

The new changes will allow passports to be issued or renewed from any city across the country.

Under the revised rules, fees for all passport categories can now be deposited at any branch of the National Bank. This adjustment aims to simplify the process and make it more accessible to citizens nationwide.

The summary of the amendments has been submitted to the cabinet by the Ministry of Interior.

Once approved, the amendments will enable the issuance of passports in a manner similar to national identity cards, facilitating a smoother and more efficient system for all applicants.

Round-the-clock printing

In a bid to tackle the ongoing passport crisis in the country, authorities have ramped up the passport printing process to operate round the clock.

To clear the backlog of passport requests, emergency measures have been initiated by the passport authorities.

The printing process continued without interruption even on Independence Day.

Besides, Director General of Immigration and Passports Mustafa Jamal Qazi has instructed the staff to work 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

To boost morale, DG Qazi personally visited the office, cut a cake with the production staff to celebrate Independence Day, and praised their dedication to working on a holiday.

A special meal was also arranged in honour of the employees.

DG Qazi stressed the importance of elevating the national passport's reputation globally, stating that timely and dignified issuance of passports to citizens is a top priority.