Govt releases funds to end current passport backlog

Islamabad: The Ministry of Finance has released funds to end the current passport backlog.

According to the media reports quoting sources of the Passport Office, the international advertisement for the tenders for the purchase of printing machines and e-passport machines has been issued, while the international advertisement for the lamination papers used in printing has also been released.

It is also reported that the backlog will end as soon as the procurement of passport machinery and lamination paper is completed. At this time more than 800,000 passports are being delayed in printing.

According to passport and immigration officials, 20 to 25 thousand passports are being printed daily, while 40 to 45 thousand applications are being received for issuance of passports based on customs clearance.