Federal Ombudsman Takes Swift Action to Resolve Passport Printing Delays
In response to a surge in complaints about prolonged passport printing delays, Federal Ombudsman Ejaz Ahmed Qureshi has initiated a comprehensive investigation to address the issue effectively.
A dedicated inspection team, led by a senior advisor, has formed to visit the Directorate General of Passport office. Their mission is to identify the root causes of the delays and propose corrective measures to streamline the passport issuance process.
The inspection team will actively engage with complainants, offering a platform for them to express their concerns. Additionally, discussions with the administration of the Directorate General of Passport will take place to gain insights into the steps undertaken to resolve public grievances.
The primary focus of the investigation is on challenges related to passport renewal and expedited processing fees. Reports indicate that approximately 400,000 passports are currently pending processing, contributing to the extended delivery time of up to three months in major cities across Pakistan.
One notable challenge faced by the Directorate General of Passport is the recovery from a shortage of lamination paper. Despite obtaining the necessary materials, the department has struggled to clear the backlog efficiently.
The Federal Ombudsman’s intervention underscores a collaborative effort to address these issues promptly. The aim is to enhance the passport issuance process, ensuring a more efficient and timely service for the public.
As the investigation progresses, it expected that corrective measures will implement to overcome the challenges faced by the Directorate General of Passport, ultimately leading to a smoother and more streamlined passport issuance process for citizens across the country.
