Passport backlog: Major update for applicants in Pakistan

The ongoing backlog of passport applications in Pakistan is set to improve soon, as 10,000 advanced printing machines have recently arrived at the Passport Offices.

These machines are expected to be operational in just a few days.

The Passport and Immigration Department has been facing severe delays in issuing passports due to a shortage of printing machines.

Currently, the department processes between 20,000 to 22,000 passports daily, while it receives around 40,000 to 50,000 applications each day.

This disparity has resulted in long wait times for citizens eagerly awaiting their passports.

Reports indicate that over 500,000 applicants are still waiting for their documents, despite having paid their fees.

The increase in passport applications can be attributed to many Pakistanis seeking to travel abroad, driven by challenging economic conditions at home.

Even urgent passport requests, which are supposed to be prioritised, are now taking one to two months for processing.

Only those who choose the fast-track service, which costs significantly more, are receiving their passports within a week.

The newly imported printing machines are expected to double the Passport Office's printing capabilities, allowing for a quicker turnaround time for passport issuance.

The department had previously faced issues with ink and lamination paper shortages, but these problems have now been resolved.

With the new machines in place, officials are optimistic that waiting times will decrease, providing relief to the hundreds of thousands of citizens who have been affected by the delays.