To address persistent passport processing delays, Pakistan’s Ministry of Interior has introduced ten new desktop passport printing machines to boost output. According to ministry insiders, the machines are being installed and are expected to be operational by next week, potentially doubling the country’s current printing capacity.
With demand at passport offices between 45,000 and 50,000 applications daily, the existing equipment has limited output to approximately 20,000 to 22,000 passports daily, creating a significant backlog. Officials are optimistic that the additional machines will alleviate delays and improve processing efficiency nationwide.
The Ministry of Interior conveyed confidence that these upgrades would ease public frustrations over extended wait times and streamline the passport issuance process. Earlier, Interior Minister Mohsin Raza Naqvi revealed that around 45,000 to 50,000 applications for new passports are being submitted daily.
During a National Assembly session, Naqvi confirmed delays in passport issuance, explaining that the system, established in 2004, initially handled just 30 passport offices in Pakistan and ten foreign missions. Over the years, these numbers have risen to 223 offices locally and 93 overseas missions.
However, the infrastructure has not been updated to meet today’s demands, allowing the facility to process only 20,000 to 22,000 passports daily.
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