Pakistan’s Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi has ordered the removal of the entire staff of a regional passport office in Gujranwala, Punjab, after finding the facility closed before the end of its official working hours during an unannounced visit.
Naqvi visited the office unexpectedly and found its doors locked, with citizens reportedly being turned away. Cleaning activities were also underway at around 4pm, suggesting that the office had already closed for the day.
The regional passport office is officially scheduled to operate until 4:30pm.
According to the Interior Ministry, only one staff member was present at the time of the minister’s visit and was unable to provide satisfactory answers to Naqvi’s questions.
The interior minister directed authorities to remove the entire staff from their current positions and initiate disciplinary proceedings over negligence in the performance of official duties.
Naqvi warned that negligence in providing public services would not be tolerated and stressed the need for government offices to ensure timely and efficient services for citizens.
Earlier, the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) arrested four people during a raid at the Harbanspura Passport Office in Lahore. These people include a passport office superintendent as well.
According to the FIA, the Anti-Corruption Circle arrested Passport Office Superintendent Abdul Ghaffar, former contract employee Ansar, security guard Zubair Ashfaq and an agent, Mubashir Mahmood.
Why was the arrest made?
The suspects were allegedly involved in taking money from citizens by promising to arrange passports through illegal means.
FIA officials said the action was taken against people involved in illegal activities both inside and outside the passport office.
A case has been registered against the arrested suspects, and further investigation is also underway.
The FIA said that other people involved in passport fraud would also be brought to justice.
The development comes days after Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi conducted a surprise visit to the Garden Town Passport Office in Lahore.
He ordered the removal and suspension of officials for alleged links with an agent network, including a deputy director.
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