Pakistan’s Pask Offices nationwide is ready to meet a crash on the illegal agent mafia operating outside their premises.
The Director -General (DG) for PAS, Mustafa Jamal Qazi, has instructed all regional passport offices to submit daily monitoring reports to the headquarters as part of the intensified action against the agents, Express News reported.
A special team from the headquarters will also make surprise visits to ensure compliance.
The move comes after reports of increasing illegal activities from passport agents who have exploited citizens for illegal gains.
In a recent act, an agent was arrested outside the Garden Passport Office in Lahore and a case was brought against him.
DG has also appealed to the public to cooperate with the authorities in the fight against the agent mafia by quickly reporting any illegal activities they observe.
Qazi assured the citizens that the government’s efforts aim to eliminate delays and corruption in the passport issuing process, making it more transparent and effective.
“By expanding the scope of passport offices and securing 24/7 operations, we aim to offer citizens an easier and more worthy experience when they get a passport,” added DG.
Last month, 24-hour passport counters had been created at Nadra Mega centers across the country.
In accordance with orders from the Federal Minister of Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi, the passport department established 10 pass processing counters in the National Database and Registration Authority (Nadra) Mega centers in Karachis Nazimabad and Site areas, specifically at Siemens Chowrangi. Citizens can now use services of these counters around the clock.
According to Director-General of Immigration and Passport, Mustafa Jamal Qazi, 24-hour passport workers are expanding nationwide. The Islamabad office has already worked 24/7.
Karachis Awami Markaz and Lahores Garden Town offices are now open 24/7 for citizens. The delay in passport issuing is fully addressed, ensuring a smooth and timely process for applicants.
Previously, the government made this decision to reduce overload at the central passport office by providing alternative centers to passport services.
The initiative was completed during the recent visit by Director -General Mustafa Jamal Qazi to Karachi, where the plan to establish passport offices at the Nadra Centers was discussed.
