ISLAMABAD (PEN) : In a significant move, the Pakistani government has announced plans to update the rules for issuing and renewing passports.
The Interior Ministry has submitted a proposal to the federal cabinet suggesting these changes. Once approved, the new rules will allow citizens to apply for passports from any city across the country. Additionally, passport fees can be paid at any branch of the National Bank.
According to sources from the Ministry of Interior, these updates will streamline the passport application process, making it similar to applying for a national identity card.
In response to ongoing delays in passport printing, Pakistani authorities are taking steps to address the issue. The Directorate General of Immigration and Passports plans to purchase 20 new laminators and 20 printers, along with five advanced ARPM machines and two E-passport printers.
With these new additions, the Directorate aims to boost efficiency, enabling the production of 1,000 passports per hour.
