It has been reported that the issuance of over 400,000 Pakistan passports is facing a delay. The reason behind this delay is the overwhelming surge in passport applications coupled with outdated printing machines. Furthermore, the shortage of staff has resulted in a backlog of passport applications, contributing to the delay in passport issuance.
The passport office has mentioned that they are currently receiving more than 40,000 new passport applications daily, compared to the previous range of 20,000 to 25,000 applications per day.
To address this issue, the National Database and Registration Authority (NADRA) has taken the initiative to open passport counters at their offices in 30 cities nationwide. This decision was made in a session chaired by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, with the intention of simplifying the passport acquisition process for Pakistani citizens.
As part of this initiative, passport issuance services will now be available at NADRA Centers in 12 small towns within the Lahore region and two areas in Karachi. A spokesperson for NADRA stated, “Now a passport counter will be available at the NADRA offices.”
It is important to note that Pakistan’s passport is currently ranked as the fourth worst in the world, as Pakistani citizens can only enter 33 countries without needing a visa in advance.