Pakistan Passport Production Increase: Backlog Cleared, Capacity Boosted
Pakistan’s passport production has seen a marked increase in recent months. Major cities like Islamabad, Karachi, and Lahore have now cleared their passport backlogs, according to the Director-General of Passports. The department has also delivered over 24,000 passports to overseas Pakistanis. This surge in production comes as a response to growing demand, with daily processing capacity now boosted to 65,000 passports. To stay updated on this, visit our Pakistan News section.
Why Has Passport Production Increased in Pakistan?
1. Growing Demand for Passports
Pakistan’s demand for passports has surged in recent years. The daily requirement is now around 44,000 passports, according to Minister for Law and Justice Azam Nazir Tarar. However, previous processing limits meant only 23,000 to 26,000 passports were printed daily, leading to significant delays. This increase in demand has been driven by more frequent travel and work opportunities abroad.
2. Technological Advancements in Printing
The Director-General of Passports noted that improvements in passport production were enabled by new technology. With the arrival of new printers, the department can now produce up to 65,000 passports daily. These technological upgrades will further reduce delays and allow faster passport issuance, benefiting both domestic and overseas Pakistanis. For more information, check out Dawn’s article.
3. Clearing Backlogs in Major Cities
One of the primary goals of increasing passport production was to clear the backlogs in major cities. This has now been achieved in cities like Islamabad, Karachi, and Lahore. By focusing on areas with high demand and providing extra support to overseas Pakistanis, the government has managed to catch up on pending applications.
Challenges in Meeting Passport Demand
1. Overseas Pakistanis Face Delays
Overseas Pakistanis, particularly those in the Middle East and Europe, have faced long delays in receiving their passports. These delays were due to limited capacity and increasing demand. However, the recent surge in production has helped reduce these wait times. The Director-General confirmed that priority was given to overseas Pakistanis who frequently travel. This has allowed for faster delivery of over 24,000 passports to these individuals.
2. Need for Continuous Technological Upgrades
Despite the increase in production, Pakistan still faces challenges in fully meeting demand. The government is expecting additional printing machines within the next month. These machines will further improve efficiency, allowing the department to keep up with growing passport applications.
Future Outlook for Passport Production
1. Ongoing Technological Improvements
With new printers and technology on the way, Pakistan’s passport production increase is expected to continue. The Director-General has committed to further reducing delays and ensuring that the system remains efficient.
2. Streamlining the Passport Application Process
The government has also worked to simplify the application process for both local and overseas applicants. By improving online application systems and providing clearer guidelines, the goal is to make the passport issuance process smoother. According to Azam Nazir Tarar, this is part of a broader effort to address the growing demand for passports. For related news, visit Express Tribune’s report.
Conclusion: Pakistan’s Passport Production on the Rise
The Pakistan passport production increase has allowed the government to clear significant backlogs, especially in major cities and for overseas Pakistanis. With daily capacity now at 65,000 passports, the government is better equipped to meet the growing demand. Additional technological upgrades are expected to further improve the process, ensuring that citizens receive their passports more quickly and efficiently.
