Pakistan's passport offices nationwide are set to face a crackdown on the illegal agent mafia operating outside their premises.
The Director General (DG) of Passports, Mustafa Jamal Qazi, has instructed all regional passport offices to submit daily monitoring reports to the headquarters, as part of the intensified action against the agents, Express News reported.
A special team from headquarters will also carry out surprise visits to ensure compliance.
The move comes after reports of increasing illegal activities by passport agents, who have been exploiting citizens for unlawful gains.
In one recent action, an agent was arrested outside the Garden Passport Office in Lahore, and a case was filed against him.
The DG has also appealed to the public to cooperate with authorities in the fight against the agent mafia by promptly reporting any illegal activities they observe.
Qazi assured citizens that the government's efforts aim to eliminate delays and corruption in the passport issuance process, making it more transparent and efficient.
“By broadening the scope of passport offices and ensuring 24/7 operations, we aim to offer citizens an easier and more dignified experience when obtaining passports,” the DG added.
Last month, 24-hour passport counters had been set up at NADRA Mega Centres across the country.
In compliance with the orders of Federal Minister for Interior Mohsin Naqvi, the Passport Department established 10 passport processing counters at National Database and Registration Authority (NADRA) Mega Centres in Karachi's Nazimabad and Site areas, specifically at Siemens Chowrangi. Citizens can now avail of services at these counters around the clock.
According to Director-General of Immigration and Passports, Mustafa Jamal Qazi, the 24-hour passport processing counters will be expanded nationwide. The Islamabad office has already been operating 24/7.
Karachi's Awami Markaz and Lahore's Garden Town offices are now open 24/7 for citizens. The delay in passport issuance has been fully addressed, ensuring a smooth and timely process for applicants.
Earlier, the government made this decision to reduce congestion at the central passport office by providing alternative centres for passport services.
The initiative was finalised during the recent visit of Director General Passport Mustafa Jamal Qazi to Karachi, where the plan to establish passport offices at NADRA centres was discussed.
COMMENTS
Comments are moderated and generally will be posted if they are on-topic and not abusive.
For more information, please see our Comments FAQ