Govt urged to automate passport services, cut delays

Deputy Senate Chairman Syedaal Khan Nasar has called for wider automation and digital tools across Pakistan’s passport services to reduce delays and make applications more accessible. At a meeting with Director General Immigration and Passports Chaudhry Muhammad Ali Randhawa at Parliament House, he discussed service delivery, departmental performance, passport security and facilities for applicants, Mettis Global reported, citing APP.

Nasar asked officials to address avoidable waiting times and administrative obstacles, and to create a system for resolving public complaints promptly. The meeting also considered offering passport services through NADRA in the future and improving Pakistan’s international passport ranking. Randhawa said the number of official blue passports had been brought down from 74,000 to 49,000. In separate discussions, Nasar also said lower petroleum prices should be followed by lower costs for other essential goods.