Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi has said that passport backlog in Pakistan has been fully cleared, reported 24NewsHD TV channel.
Mohsin Naqvi made the announcement after inaugurating new state-of-the-art Immigration and Passport Office in Islamabad on Thursday.
Addressing the ceremony, Mohsin Naqvi further said that citizens will get respect in the passport offices where they see things getting done swiftly from now on.
The interior minister said the institution will definitely be made an authority. He said new offices in Lahore and Karachi will also be built soon.
Mohsin Naqvi said that action against agent mafia present outside the passport offices was under way.
Mohsin Naqvi also announced to establish passport counters at NADRA offices in different cities of the country.
The minister said these counters will be established within next five to seven days and will work round the clock to facilitate the people at their doorsteps.
He said the Islamabad passport office will be shifted to 24 hours while model passports centres will also be established in Lahore and other provincial capitals.
Mohsin Naqvi announced a series of reforms and improvements in passport services nationwide. He stated that 24/7 passport issuance services would soon be available at NADRA mega centres in 14 cities, ensuring greater accessibility and convenience for the public.
The Minister revealed that the long-standing backlog in passport processing has been completely eliminated. “Citizens will now receive their passports on time,” he assured, adding previously delays of up to six months were common.
The inauguration ceremony also highlighted the Minister’s vision for improved service delivery.
Naqvi toured the new reception area, online services section, production center, and data center, praising the upgraded facilities. He presented shields and cash prizes to staff members who had shown exceptional performance in passport production.
The Minister also announced plans to establish model passport centres in Karachi and Lahore, further expanding the availability of top-tier services across the country.
Naqvi emphasized the government’s commitment to eradicating corruption and ensuring transparency in the system.
The event was attended by prominent figures, including NADRA Chairman Lieutenant General Muhammad Munir Afsar, Chief Commissioner Islamabad Muhammad Ali Randhawa, and IG Islamabad Police Ali Nasir Rizvi. DG Passports Mustafa Jamal Qazi also praised the improvements, stating that they were in line with the Minister’s vision of excellence in public service.
The minister shared his satisfaction following recent visits to passport and NADRA centres in Lahore and Karachi, where citizens expressed contentment with the improved services. “The conditions have drastically improved, with no long queues or delays,” he said.
This initiative marks a significant step toward modernizing public services in Pakistan, ensuring that citizens have access to efficient and timely passport and immigration facilities.
Earlier addressing the event, Mustafa Jamal Qazi, Director General Passports, also turned out to be a fan of Mohsin Speed.
The DG said: “We cannot compare ourselves to Mohsin Speed as we just are updating the institution according to the government's vision.”
Reporter Awais Kiyani