The processing time for Pakistani passports has recently been extended due to several factors, including more rigorous vetting procedures by immigration authorities. The Director General of Immigration and Passports (DGIP) officially announced this update via a social media post on Monday.
Under the new timeline, the delivery of a regular passport will now take up to 21 working days, while an urgent passport will be processed within 5 days, and those opting for the fast-track system can expect their passports in just 2 days. This represents a notable increase from the previous processing times, where regular passport applicants waited 10 days, urgent applicants waited 4 days, and fast-track applicants received their passports within 2 days.
It’s important to note that applicants can submit their passport applications between 8 A.M and 01 p.m. on most days, with the exception of Fridays when the offices will remain open until 12 Noon. This adjusted schedule aims to facilitate the application process for citizens.
In case of any issues or complaints related to passport matters, the department has provided two primary points of contact. Applicants can either utilize the Prime Minister’s Citizen’s Portal or reach out to the helpline at 051-111-344-777 for assistance.
While the department has cited the “need for thorough examination” as a primary reason for the extended processing times, another significant factor contributing to the delay is the surging number of passport applicants. The surge in applications is partly attributed to citizens seeking better economic opportunities abroad due to the economic challenges faced within the country. As a result, the passport offices are grappling with an increased workload, making it more challenging to process applications within the previously established timelines.
This adjustment in passport processing times underscores the importance of planning ahead for those in need of passports, especially for those with urgent travel plans or commitments. It’s advisable for applicants to take into account the extended processing periods and submit their applications well in advance to ensure a smooth and timely passport issuance process.
