Pakistani passport delay

Pakistani passport delay is an ongoing issue since February 2024 which is affecting thousands of citizens across the globe, with about 800,000 people waiting for their passport.
Causes of the delay
Funding issues
One of the primary reason for the passport delay is the delay in government funding for new advanced passport printing machines.
Technical difficulties
Technical difficulties, such as a “link-down” at the Passport and Immigration headquarters, have also contributed to the delay. This issue has prevented the department from entering data, further exacerbating the backlog.
Bureaucratic obstacles
Bureaucratic obstacles have hindered the release of necessary funds, despite placing an order and finalizing a tender for the new printing machines.
Impact on citizens
Travel plans disrupted
The delay has caused significant inconvenience to citizens, disrupting their travel plans. Many individuals planning to travel abroad have been affected by the suspension of passport printing.
Economic implications
The backlog has also had economic implications, as people are unable to travel for work or business purposes. This has affected the overall economy, with potential losses in remittances and business opportunities.
Government response
Clearing the backlog
The Passport and Immigration Directorate has taken measures to address the backlog. Following orders from Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi, major cities have caught up with the delayed applications. For example, Islamabad finalized over 14,600 pending cases, while Karachi processed 83,000 applications.
Urgent passports
Urgent passports have been delivered to 5,650 applicants, and 15,800 passports were sent directly to recipients’ homes. An additional 17,900 normal and 41,700 urgent passport applications were resolved through embassies, bringing relief to overseas Pakistanis.

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