Government Announces Major Relief: Passport Processing Time Cut to 14 Days

ISLAMABAD: The government on Thursday slashed the delivery time for ordinary passports from 21 days to 14 days and ordered all passport offices to go fully cashless within 15 days.

The decisions in this regard were taken in a meeting presided over by Naqvi and Minister of State Talal Chaudhry in a bid to facilitate citizens.

Naqvi announced that the processing time for a normal passport has been reduced from 21 days to 14 days, the Ministry of Interior said in a press release.

According to the ministry, he also said a fully cashless system will be introduced in passport offices, directing officials to implement it within 15 days. “Eliminating cash payments would help curb the agent mafia and improve public convenience,” he noted.

Mohsin Naqvi emphasized that the establishment of a dedicated Passport Authority is essential for strengthening the passport system and enhancing public service delivery.

During the briefing, officials confirmed that normal passports, which previously required 21 days for delivery, will now be issued within 14 days.

The development comes as passport offices struggle with long queues and complaints of delays. Demand for passports has surged since 2022, with over 6.5 million issued in 2023 alone, according to immigration data. Applicants also complain of being forced to pay agents for faster processing.