The number of official (blue) passports has been reduced from 74,000 to 49,000 to meet international obligations and administrative requirements, Director General of Immigration and Passports Muhammad Ali Randhawa said on Wednesday.
Randhawa shared the figures with Senate Deputy Chairman Syedaal Khan Nasar during a meeting. The two discussed the current passport issuance mechanism, institutional performance, security features and public facilities.
They also discussed a proposal to introduce passport issuance facilities through the National Database and Registration Authority (NADRA) in the near future. The measure is aimed at strengthening passport security and improving the country’s passport ranking.
Nasar appreciated the government’s initiatives to improve the passport issuance system, promote modern technology and enhance public facilitation.
He described the performance of the Directorate General of Immigration and Passports and its institutional reforms as commendable, and stressed the need to modernise the system further in line with contemporary requirements.
He said digital systems and automation should be expanded at every stage of passport issuance, from application submission to delivery, to make the process faster, more transparent and more accessible.
Citizens, he added, should not face unnecessary delays, long waiting periods or administrative complications, and an effective mechanism must be in place to resolve complaints promptly.
Nasar said effective use of modern technology and improved administrative strategies could further strengthen public confidence in the institution.
