Islamabad (Web Desk): In a high-level meeting chaired by Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi and Minister of State Talal Chaudhry, the government on Thursday approved a set of important reforms designed to improve public facilitation in the passport issuance process.
Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi stated that the delivery time for normal passports, which was previously 21 days, has now been reduced to 14 days.
He said the decision is part of wider efforts to modernize and make passport services more efficient across the country.
Naqvi announced that a completely cashless payment system will be introduced in all passport offices, putting an end to cash transactions altogether.
The interior minister set a 15-day deadline for the full implementation of this system, adding that “Ending cash payments will eradicate the agent mafia and provide greater ease to citizens,” he added.
During the meeting, progress regarding the proposed Business Passport category was also reviewed, and the Interior Minister instructed the concerned authorities to complete and finalize its issuance framework without delay.
The session also approved measures to strengthen the passport home delivery system, with directions to make doorstep delivery more reliable, efficient, and user-friendly for applicants.
Mohsin Naqvi also underscored the importance of establishing a dedicated Passport Authority, saying it is necessary to improve institutional performance and enhance public service delivery in the sector.
Officials briefed the participants that the processing time for normal passports, previously 21 days, has officially been reduced to 14 days.
The meeting was attended by the Interior Secretary, the Director General of the Directorate General of Immigration & Passports, and other senior officials.