Pakistan Citizens Can Apply for Passports from Any City

In a significant move aimed at enhancing the convenience of its citizens, the government of Pakistan has recently approved new rules that allow individuals to apply for passports from any city in the country. This change marks a pivotal shift in the passport application process, which previously required applicants to submit their requests based on the residential address listed on their Computerized National Identity Card (CNIC). With this new policy, the barriers that once restricted citizens to their home cities have been lifted, providing greater flexibility and accessibility.

The decision to amend the passport rules comes in response to the challenges faced by many citizens who encountered difficulties when applying for passports. Mustafa Jamal Qazi, the Directorate General of Immigration and Passports, emphasized that the federal government recognized these issues and acted accordingly. The new regulations mean that passport applications will no longer be rejected solely based on discrepancies between the CNIC address and the location of the application.

This change is particularly timely, as it follows a period of prolonged delays in passport issuance that had led to a surge in public complaints. In August, the Minister for Law and Justice, Azam Nazeer Tarar, addressed the National Assembly, assuring members that the government was taking steps to resolve these delays. He indicated that the installation of new machinery and software would significantly improve the efficiency of the passport issuance process.

According to the federal minister, the new system is expected to increase the daily capacity for issuing passports from 26,000 to an impressive 60,000. This enhancement is not just about speed; it is also about ensuring that citizens can travel without unnecessary hindrances. The government’s commitment to improving the passport application process reflects a broader effort to streamline public services and respond to the needs of the populace.

As citizens embrace this new opportunity to apply for passports from any city, it is essential to remain informed about the application process and any required documentation. This change not only simplifies the journey for many but also symbolizes a step towards a more citizen-friendly governance model. In a world where travel is increasingly important, these reforms are a welcome development, ensuring that all Pakistanis can access their right to travel with ease and confidence.