- Pakistan has increased passport issuance fees to tackle backlog and security concerns.
- Delays are due to a shortage of lamination paper, essential for passports.
- Waiting periods have extended to several months, causing frustration among citizens.
Pakistani Passport Latest Fees Update:
Pakistani Passport Latest Fees Update: In a bid to address a mounting backlog in passport clearance and heightened security concerns, Pakistan has announced a significant increase in passport issuance fees. The decision, led by the Directorate General of Immigration and Passports (DGI&P), comes in response to persistent challenges impacting the country’s passport services.
Challenges in Passport Issuance
The prolonged delays in passport processing have been attributed to a shortage of lamination paper, a critical component in passport production. This shortage has caused waiting periods to extend to several months, leaving citizens frustrated and inconvenienced.
To combat these issues, the DGI&P has implemented a new fee structure aimed at streamlining services and enhancing security measures. The fee adjustments are part of broader reforms designed to improve the efficiency and security of the passport issuance process.
Addressing the Backlog
One of the immediate strategies introduced by the DGI&P is the implementation of urgent and fast-track processing fees. These measures, while temporary, aim to manage the existing backlog and expedite services for those in urgent need of passports. However, concerns remain about whether these changes will provide a lasting solution to the problem of prolonged waiting times.
Enhancing Security and Efficiency
The increased fees are expected to generate the revenue necessary to tackle operational challenges and improve overall service efficiency. The DGI&P has emphasized that these reforms are essential to ensuring a seamless and secure passport issuance process.
Commitment to Improvement
Despite the challenges, the DGI&P remains committed to addressing the backlog and enhancing the security protocols associated with passport issuance. The organization’s broader reforms aim to provide citizens with a more reliable and efficient service, ensuring that Pakistan’s passport system meets both national and international standards.
As the reforms unfold, the DGI&P is focused on balancing immediate needs with long-term improvements, striving to deliver a better experience for all passport applicants.
Read Also: PIA to Resume Flights to Europe, Starting January 2025
