Islamabad: Minister for Law and Justice Azam Nazeer Tarar informed National Assembly that new machinery and software would be installed to increase printing capacity of passports to 55,000 to 60,000 per day by end of September this year.

In response to Calling Attention Notice regarding delays in issuing passports, he expressed optimism that introduction of new system would also help clear existing backlog of passport applications. He said that during Pakistan Democratic Movement government, orders were issued for import of new system and process has continued under interim government. “We hope new system will be installed soon and daily capacity for issuing passports will increase from 26,000 to 60,000,” he added. He highlighted that number of missions has increased from 20 to 92 and with increase in passport offices, there is pressing need for upgraded machinery and advanced printers to meet demand. Citizens witnessed prolonged delays in issuance of passports as even those who paid fees for “Urgent” passports have also been waiting for months to get their travel documents. Passport and Immigration Director General Mustafa Jamal Qazi briefed committee that delay in passport printing was caused by dysfunctional and old machinery, adding that department has been granted approval from Interior Ministry to purchase new machinery for e-passports.