Islamabad 6th August, 2024 (TDI): The number of people leaving Pakistan due to economic difficulties has increased, leading to a significant rise in passport demand. The daily demand for passports has reached 45,000, with a backlog of 20,000 passports.
A notice was presented in the National Assembly regarding the unavailability of passports, highlighting the issue. According to the notice, the daily demand for passports is 45,000, while only 25,000 passports are being issued daily.
Minister for Parliamentary Affairs, Azam Nazeer Tarar, stated that funds are being allocated to purchase 20 new machines to address the issue, which is expected to be resolved by September. However, Aga Rafiullah, who presented the notice, criticized the government for providing excuses, first citing the unavailability of paper and then ink.
Rafiullah also pointed out that those who pay urgent fees face no issues, while ordinary citizens are left struggling. He further criticized Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi for not attending parliamentary sessions or committee meetings.
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Tarar assured that a significant improvement would be seen within two months, with arrangements being made for paper, ink, and machines. He also clarified that the online system sometimes includes incomplete applications, contributing to the apparent increase in demand.
