The federal government has decided to fully digitize Pakistan’s passport and immigration system, aiming to transform it into a paperless framework for improved efficiency and public service delivery.
The move comes after the appointment of Chaudhry Muhammad Ali Randhawa as Director General Immigration and Passports, as confirmed by a notification issued by the Establishment Division. Randhawa, a BS-20 officer of the Pakistan Administrative Service, has been posted under the Interior and Narcotics Control Division with immediate effect.
Federal Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi has directed the newly appointed DG to introduce comprehensive reforms to modernize the system. The initiative aims to reduce processing delays, enhance transparency, and streamline procedures for citizens.
Officials said the transformation will focus on creating a fully digital, paperless system to ensure faster issuance of passports and improved immigration services nationwide. Public convenience and efficiency remain central to the reform agenda.
The development follows a broader administrative reshuffle in the federal capital, during which Randhawa was removed from his previous role as Chief Commissioner Islamabad. In the same reshuffle, Lt. (Retd) Sohail Ashraf was appointed as the new Chief Commissioner.
Lt. (Retd) Sohail Ashraf, also a Grade-20 PAS officer, previously served as Secretary Communications and Works in the Punjab government and has held key field positions in Faisalabad and Mandi Bahauddin.
