ISLAMABAD – The Ministry of Interior said on Thursday there is delay in issuance of passports in normal category due to increasing backlog amid high volume of applications on daily basis.
The ministry submitted its response in Senate amid complaints that people are facing over four months delay in issuance of their passports in normal category.
It said the Directorate General of Immigration and Passport received 45,000 to 50,000 application on daily basis while the production facility can only process only 20,000 to 22,000 passports per day, causing a backlog of passport applications.
It said the passport printing has been made operational in three shifts to end the backlog, adding that there are no delays in the fast-track and urgent passport categories.
The minister, in its response, also indicated that the issue of passport delays will be resolved once new printers are installed.
There has been unusual delay in the procurement of security ink, lamination paper, and spare parts. The process of purchasing 20 printers and 20 laminators started in January, he said, adding that the government is expected to receive the delivery this month.
The ministry said an order for procurement of six desktop printers and two e-passport machines was also placed in July, with delivery also expected this month.
