The federal government reduced the passport issuance period on Thursday and decided to implement a cashless system in the passport office.
In a high-level meeting chaired by Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi and Foreign Minister Talal Chaudhry, the government on Thursday approved major reforms aimed at improving public convenience in the passport issuance system.
Naqvi announced that the delivery period for normal passports, earlier 21 days, has now been reduced to 14 days. He said the move is part of a wider effort to modernize and streamline passport services across the country.
The minister further stated that a fully cashless system will be implemented across all passport offices, eliminating cash payments.
He assigned a 15-day deadline for the complete transition to this system. “Ending cash payments will eradicate the agent mafia and bring greater ease to citizens,” he added.
The meeting also reviewed progress on the proposed Business Passport category, with the Home Secretary ordering the officials to finalize its issuance mechanism at the earliest.
In addition, the government decided to make the home delivery system for passports more efficient, ensuring that delivery to the door will be smoother and more accessible.
The Minister of the Interior emphasized that the establishment of a dedicated passport authority is essential to strengthen the passport system and improve the public service.
During the briefing, officials confirmed that normal passports – which previously required 21 days for delivery – will now be issued within 14 days.
The meeting was attended by the Home Secretary, the Director-General of the Directorate-General for Immigration & Passports and other relevant officials.
