ISLAMABAD: In a decisive effort to overhaul public service delivery, Federal Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi and Minister of State Talal Chaudhry have spearheaded a series of reforms aimed at streamlining the national passport issuance process.
During a high-level consultative meeting attended by the Federal Secretary Interior and Director General of Passports and Immigration, approval has been given to significantly reduce the processing time for standard passports, effectively lowering the wait period from 21 days to 14 days to mitigate public inconvenience.
A central pillar of these reforms is the transition to a fully cashless environment at all passport offices nationwide. Minister Naqvi has issued a strict 15-day deadline for the implementation of digital payment systems, a move designed to enhance financial transparency and systematically dismantle the “agent mafias” that have historically exploited applicants.
By eliminating physical cash transactions, the ministry intends to provide a more secure and efficient experience for the citizenry while ensuring that all fees are processed through verified digital channels.
Beyond administrative efficiency, the meeting focused on specialised services and infrastructure. Officials were instructed to finalise the framework for a “business passport” system, an initiative tailored to meet the specific logistical demands of the commercial sector. Simultaneously, the ministry confirmed plans to optimise the existing home delivery service, ensuring that passports reach applicants at their doorsteps with greater speed and reliability.
To ensure the long-term sustainability of these improvements, Minister Naqvi underscored the necessity of establishing a dedicated passport authority. This proposed body would be tasked with the overarching management of the system, focusing on continuous modernisation and the elevation of service standards.
