Passport Delays Plague Pakistani Applicants

Passport applicants in Pakistan are currently facing significant delays in the processing of their travel documents. The situation has arisen due to a surge in the number of applicants visiting passport offices, leading to extended processing times. The primary reasons behind the delays are slow printing processes and technical issues affecting the issuance of passports.

According to official guidelines, normal passports should be issued within three weeks, while urgent passports should be processed within a week. However, the ground reality tells a different story. At the Lahore regional office, notices have been posted indicating that normal passport applications may take up to two months to process, while urgent passports could take up to 15 days.

Applicants who submitted their applications several months ago are still experiencing delays and are required to make repeated visits to passport offices without any resolution in sight. The influx of fast-track applications is further exacerbating the situation, causing additional delays for those applying for passports under the normal category.

Officials are advising individuals to utilize online services for passport renewal to expedite the process and avoid the lengthy delays being witnessed at physical passport offices. It is recommended that applicants explore online options to streamline the passport application process and minimize the inconvenience caused by the current delays.

The delays in passport processing in Pakistan have created frustration among applicants who are eagerly awaiting their travel documents. The situation underscores the need for efficient and streamlined processes to ensure timely issuance of passports to all applicants. By leveraging online services and exploring alternative avenues for passport renewal, individuals can navigate the current challenges and expedite the acquisition of their travel documents.