In a significant development for overseas Pakistanis, Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar assured that passports will be issued within sixty days. This announcement made during a meeting in Islamabad, focusing on the welfare of overseas Pakistanis.
Key Highlights:
- Assurance of Timely Issuance: Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar emphasized that the government committed to ensuring passports issued within the promised timeframe of sixty days.
- Comprehensive Briefing: The Deputy Prime Minister received a detailed briefing from the Interior Secretary and the DG Immigration and Passports regarding the measures being taken to expedite passport issuance for overseas Pakistanis.
- Addressing Delays: This move comes in response to reports indicating that both in-land and overseas Pakistanis have been experiencing significant delays in passport issuance, with the normal category taking over three months.
- Policy Change for Asylum Seekers: The government has also announced the withdrawal of a notification that previously banned the issuance of passports to asylum seekers abroad. This decision aims to facilitate Pakistani citizens seeking asylum by providing them with valid travel documents.
Why This Matters
The timely issuance of passports is crucial for overseas Pakistanis, who often face bureaucratic hurdles that can impact their travel plans, job opportunities, and legal status in foreign countries. By ensuring passports issued within sixty days, the government aims to provide relief and enhance the efficiency of its consular services.
Steps Taken to Expedite the Process
- Streamlined Procedures: The government is working on streamlining the passport application and issuance process to reduce wait times and improve service delivery.
- Increased Staff and Resources: Additional staff and resources allocated to the Immigration and Passports department to handle the increased demand and ensure timely processing.
- Enhanced Monitoring: Regular monitoring and reporting mechanisms put in place to track the progress and address any issues promptly.
Impact on Overseas Pakistanis
The new measures expected to benefit millions of overseas Pakistanis by:
- Reducing Wait Times: Significantly cutting down the time taken to issue passports.
- Improving Accessibility: Making it easier for overseas Pakistanis to obtain passports, especially for those living in remote areas.
- Facilitating Travel: Ensuring that overseas Pakistanis can travel without unnecessary delays, which is crucial for employment, education, and family reunifications.
The government’s commitment to issuing passports within sixty days marks a positive step towards addressing the challenges faced by overseas Pakistanis. With the withdrawal of the notification banning passport issuance to asylum seekers and the implementation of streamlined procedures, the government is making concerted efforts to improve its services and support its citizens abroad.
Stay tuned for further updates on the progress of these initiatives and their impact on the overseas Pakistani community.
