Businessmen decry delay in passport issuance

Such problems deprive traders of opportunities to expand global footprint

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KARACHI:

Hyderabad Chamber of Small Traders and Small Industry (HCSTSI) President Muhammad Saleem Memon has expressed grave concern over the inordinate delay in issuance of passports, calling it unacceptable for a country with a population of nearly 250 million that is struggling with the basic task of issuing just 50,000 passports per day.

He urged the government to take immediate and effective steps to address such challenges. The passport issuance system must be improved, alongside the creation of employment opportunities and a business-friendly environment, to prevent the youth from leaving the country.

He said that delays in passport printing and untimely delivery were causing severe difficulties to the business community, especially those intending to participate in international exhibitions.

These trade fairs serve as crucial opportunities to promote Pakistani products, secure trade agreements and attract foreign investment.

Traders and small business owners, already grappling with economic challenges, are being deprived of these vital opportunities to expand their global footprint. This procrastination not only hampers individual growth but also undermines efforts to boost Pakistan's exports and strengthen its economy.

Timely issuance of passports is essential to ensure that the business community can represent Pakistan on international platforms, contribute to trade growth and foreign exchange earnings, and ultimately aid in the country's economic recovery.

Referring to complaints from HCSTSI members, Saleem Memon pointed out that many passports, which were scheduled for delivery in September 2024, remained undelivered even in January 2025.

He criticised the inefficiency of the system despite the government's claims of installing advanced printing machines. While the government announced that new machines had increased daily printing from 22,000 to 44,000 passports, the ground reality showed that the capacity was still inadequate to meet demand, he noted.

The chamber president said that the negligence was damaging Pakistan's image on the global stage as the country seemed to be unable to fulfill even basic needs of its citizens.

He lashed out at the government for poor planning and policy failures, which not only disappointed the youth but also caused the country to lose its talented individuals.

He said a significant number of young Pakistanis were being forced to seek better job opportunities abroad. Over the past five years, approximately 3.275 million Pakistanis have left the country, including 900,000 in 2023, marking the second-highest annual exodus since 1971.

This alarming trend reflects the limited job and business opportunities, compelling the youth to look elsewhere for a brighter future.