Almost 50,000 Pakistanis apply for passports daily amid economic crisis: report

A large number of Pakistanis are applying for passports daily, hoping to leave the country amid an economic crisis, a report issued by the Interior Ministry revealed on Thursday.

According to the report, up to 50,000 Pakistanis apply for passports every day, causing a delay in delivery. 

The Ministry revealed in a written reply that the DG Immigration and Passport receives 45,000 to 50,000 applications daily, while the production facility can only produce 20,000 to 22,000 passports per day.

The massive backlog has resulted in delays, particularly for normal passport categories. 

However, the Ministry assured that there are no delays in fast-track and urgent passport categories. 

The federal home department has activated passport printing in three shifts and initiated the procurement process for new printers and laminators in order to address the issue.

Although the Ministry of Finance has not yet allocated funds for these purchases, the Interior Ministry expects the new equipment to arrive this month.

The unusual delay in procuring security ink, laminates, and spare parts has also contributed to the problem. 

Nevertheless, the department has ordered additional desktop printers and e-passport machines, expected to arrive this month, which will help alleviate the situation.