Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi announced on Thursday that new passports are being introduced to limit the growing issues of begging and illegal immigration that frames the move as a step towards restoring Pakistan’s image internationally, Radio Pakistan reported.
Naqvi, who presented a meeting of the Directorate -General for Immigration and Passport in Islamabad, instructed officials to quickly complete all legal procedures needed to implement the new policy.
“These new requirements will serve as a deterrent to those who abuse the system, including beggars and illegal migrants,” Naqvi said. He further emphasized the need for 100% compliance with blocking passports for individuals deported from abroad.
Prime Minister of Interior Talal Chaudhry, who was also present, noted that the new rules would send a positive message to the global society on Pakistan’s obligation to responsible travel and immigration management.
During the visit, NAQVI also inspected six newly installed machine-readable passports (MRP) machines and two e-passport systems, which are expected to increase the passport printing capacity and reduce the processing time for applicants.
He also held a meeting with a German technical team that monitored the installation process, reflecting international collaboration on technological improvements.
DG -Pas Mustafa Jamal Qazi informed the Minister of upcoming initiatives, including the launch of a mobile app aimed at streaming to streamline services and improve the availability of citizens.
