LAHORE: Due to delays in the issuance of almost half a million passports, the citizens have been facing problems for many months.
The department, people complained, has failed to issue readable and e-passports in a timely manner.
Due to delays, hundreds of Pakistanis living in US, UK and Canada have been facing problems related to their transports. Also, pilgrims who wanted to go to Hajj and Umrah have also suffered from delays.
Meanwhile, the affectees were of the view that the department was only issuing passports in the categories of urgent and fast track.
On the other hand, the passport officials said the ink and lamination paper were insufficient to cater for the demands of passport applicants. They said they had now received the material and would clear the backlog of applications by June.
Earlier, The government of Pakistan issues passport to its citizens through the Directorate General of Immigration and Passports to facilitate their journey and provide them protection while travelling abroad. Normal fee for 36-page passport stands at Rs3,000.
Passport is the only document that confirms the identity of the citizen of Pakistan in foreign countries. The directorate process the applications and issue passports to the citizens who meet the requirements. Citizens who are currently living in Pakistan are required to visit the Regional Passport Office if they are applying for the travel document for the first time. –Agencies
