ISLAMABAD – The long-standing delays in passport issuance are set to end soon as the government prepares to order eight new printing machines. This move comes as a relief for thousands of passport applicants who have faced prolonged waiting times.
According to sources, the Director General of Immigration and Passports has prepared a requisition for the new machines, pending approval from the Interior Ministry. The order, expected by September, will include six desktop machines and two e-passport machines, capable of printing 1,000 passports per hour.
The delays, which have plagued passport applicants for over a year, stem from a shortage of lamination paper and other logistical issues. This backlog has particularly affected those applying through the standard process, while urgent and e-passports have been prioritized.
The primary cause of the backlog has been delays in importing lamination paper from France, exacerbated by foreign currency problems. Despite multiple efforts to resolve the issue, the delays have persisted, causing significant inconvenience, especially for citizens and young professionals seeking opportunities abroad.
The procurement of these new machines is expected to streamline the process and alleviate the backlog, easing the burden on the Directorate General of Immigration & Passports and providing much-needed relief to Pakistani citizens.