Federal Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi has made a significant announcement regarding the Lahore Passport Office’s operating hours. Starting soon, at least one passport office in Lahore will be operational around the clock. This move aims to enhance public service and improve accessibility to passport services for residents in Lahore.
The decision comes as a relief for many who previously had to endure long waits and queues to obtain their travel documents. By having a passport office open 24/7, individuals can now access these essential services at their convenience, regardless of the time.
During a recent visit to passport offices, Minister Naqvi took decisive action against officials implicated in bribery and misconduct, following complaints lodged by citizens. This crackdown underscores the government’s commitment to ensuring transparency and efficiency in passport services.
The initiative also addresses the backlog in passport processing, which had led to delays for over 7,000 pilgrims seeking to perform Umrah during Ramadan. Despite having the capacity to produce 25,000 passports daily, the department receives an overwhelming 40,000 requests per day, highlighting the urgent need for extended operational hours.
In Karachi, there has been a noticeable decrease in daily passport applicants during Ramadan compared to previous months, indicating a positive impact on service delivery and efficiency.
Overall, the introduction of 24-hour passport office timings in Lahore marks a significant step towards streamlining passport services and providing better support to the public, aligning with the government’s commitment to facilitating hassle-free travel and documentation processes.
