The government has cut the normal passport processing time to improve public service and reduce inconvenience for citizens, the private media channel reported on Thursday.
The decision was taken in a high-level meeting chaired by Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi and Minister of State Talal Chaudhry. Senior officials, including the interior secretary and the Director General of Passport and Immigration, also attended the meeting.
During the meeting, the interior minister directed officials to speed up work on introducing a business passport system to help frequent travellers and business professionals.
Mohsin Naqvi announced that the government has reduced the normal passport issuance time to 14 days, compared to the earlier 21 days. He said this step will improve efficiency and provide relief to the public.
He also said the government will soon launch a fully cashless system in all passport offices across the country. He gave officials a 15-day deadline to complete the transition to digital payments.
Officials said the cashless system will reduce the role of agents and middlemen, often called the “agent mafia,” and will make the process more transparent for applicants.
The government has also decided to improve the passport home delivery service. Authorities aim to make doorstep delivery faster and more reliable so citizens can receive their passports without delays or repeated visits to offices.
Mohsin Naqvi said that ending cash payments will help reduce corruption and make things easier for applicants. He added that the passport system needs reforms to match modern standards and meet public needs.
The interior minister also said a dedicated passport authority should be set up. He said this authority will manage reforms, improve operations, and ensure better and consistent service across the country.
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