The government has changed the working hours for Passport offices under the new schedule, these offices will now function for four days a week.
The regional passport offices, which operate 24 hours, will carry out their operations normally while the Islamabad’s Easy Service Centre will operate on its existing shift system.
This change has been sanctioned by the Director General of Immigration and Passports.
Meanwhile, under the ongoing austerity measures, educational institutions have been given off from March 16-31.
In another move relating to passports, the government has made changes to the rules of passports so that married women can still keep their father’s name on their official travel documents.
Previously, married women were required to replace their father’s name with the name of their husband when getting passports.
This reform means that women will be afforded greater autonomy in the management of their legal identity and is an important step in the recognition of women’s rights in official documentation.
The change is in compliance with an order of the court. Following instructions of the Lahore High Court, the system of passports has been revised whereby married women have the option to keep their father’s name or not.
The Ministry of Interior and the Law Ministry have monitored changes in the passport to enable the smooth implementation of this decision.
Officials stressed that the new system is aimed at meeting the full requirements of the court’s order and making it easier for women to exercise such an option.
Legal experts have described the amendment as a landmark decision in the fight for women’s rights over their identity, because of the effect it is likely to set a precedent.
Also read: Big update in passport rules for females
