ISLAMABAD: In a move aimed at improving public convenience, the federal government has reduced the processing time for normal passports from 21 days to 14 days across the country.
The decision was taken during a high-level meeting chaired by Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi and Minister of State Talal Chaudhry. The meeting was attended by the Federal Secretary Interior, Director General of Passports and Immigration, and other relevant officials.
During the session, the interior minister also directed authorities to expedite work on finalizing the system for issuing business passports, indicating that a separate category for business travelers may soon be introduced.
Mohsin Naqvi stated that the reduced processing time will significantly ease difficulties faced by citizens. He further announced that a fully cashless system will be implemented in passport offices to enhance transparency and efficiency.
Additionally, the government has decided to further improve the home delivery system for passports, ensuring that citizens can receive their documents at their doorstep more conveniently.
The interior minister has set a 15-day deadline for implementing the cashless system in passport offices nationwide. He emphasized that eliminating cash transactions will help curb the influence of agents and middlemen, making the process more straightforward for the public.
Naqvi also highlighted the need to establish a dedicated Passport Authority to modernize the system and provide better services to citizens. He reiterated instructions to accelerate progress on the introduction of business passports.
