AsiaNet-Pakistan Premier Editorial Content and Press Release Distribution Service
London, Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi has implemented new directives to expedite the passport issuance process for overseas Pakistanis, mandating that urgent passports be issued within seven days. During his visit to Passport and NADRA centers in London, Naqvi addressed long-standing delays and outlined a more stringent timeline for both normal and urgent passport services.
According to Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, the Interior Minister took significant notice of the previous delays, where normal passports took about four months and urgent passports up to one and a half months. Under the new policy, normal passports will now be issued within 30 days, applicable to all Pakistani missions abroad. Naqvi expressed a clear stance against any further delays, stating that non-compliance with these timelines will lead to actions against those responsible.
To enforce these directives, a monitoring cell has been established, led by ASP Shahrbano, the Personal Staff Officer to the Interior Minister. This cell aims to ensure the timely delivery of passports. Overseas Pakistanis who do not receive their passports within the stipulated period can now lodge complaints directly via the email address: passport@interior.gov.pk.
During his visit, the Minister also engaged with Pakistanis at the centers, who expressed satisfaction with NADRA’s services. The Minister congratulated the NADRA staff on their commendable performance in light of no reported complaints. Pakistan’s High Commissioner to the United Kingdom, Dr. Muhammad Faisal, accompanied the Minister throughout his visit, emphasizing the mission’s support in these reforms.