In a major development, the federal government has initiated comprehensive passport and immigration reforms in Pakistan, aiming to fully digitize and modernize the system for improved public convenience.
Federal Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi has assigned the newly appointed Director General, Muhammad Ali Randhawa, the task of implementing wide-ranging reforms in the Directorate General of Immigration and Passports.
Nationwide Digital and Paperless System
According to official directives, the entire passport and immigration system will be transformed into a fully digital and paperless framework across Pakistan. The move is expected to streamline operations, reduce delays, and eliminate manual paperwork.
Mohsin Naqvi emphasized that public facilitation must remain the top priority, directing authorities to ensure faster processing times and a more user-friendly experience for citizens applying for passports.
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Office Timings Restored for Public Convenience
In a related development, the Directorate General of Immigration and Passports has restored regular working days for passport offices nationwide. All field formations and passport offices will now operate five days a week (Monday to Friday) under normal working hours.
Previously, office timings had been reduced to four working days per week under austerity measures introduced by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif. These steps were taken amid rising regional tensions in the Middle East and efforts to conserve energy.
Additionally, 50% of staff had been allowed to work remotely during that period. However, the government has now reversed the decision to ensure smooth passport processing and reduce public inconvenience.
Reform Goals and Expected Impact
The new digital transformation aims to:
- Minimize delays in passport issuance
- Improve transparency and efficiency
- Enhance service delivery nationwide
- Reduce physical visits and paperwork
The reforms are expected to significantly improve Pakistan’s passport system, making it more aligned with international standards and responsive to growing public demand.
