Interior Minister Removes 2 Officials After Passport Office Visit

Federal Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi voiced strong dissatisfaction over the poor organization and lengthy delays experienced during an unexpected visit to the Passport Office in Lahore’s Garden Town on Wednesday. He observed long lines of citizens awaiting passport applications, with numerous counters lacking personnel. Applicants expressed frustration over waiting for hours, with some stating they had arrived early but still had not been called.

Citizens also complained about unauthorized agents operating outside the passport office, charging fees to expedite services. One applicant revealed they had paid an agent Rs. 5,500 for this service. Naqvi was visibly enraged by these issues and immediately ordered the removal of Deputy Director Shehzad Aslam from the Passport Office for his perceived mismanagement and negligence.

Additionally, he ordered the removal of Deputy Director Anti Corruption FIA Lahore for permitting agents outside the office. The minister promptly directed actions to address citizens' grievances and offered a personal apology to those impacted. He emphasized the government's commitment to providing swift and efficient services at passport offices and warned that disciplinary measures would be taken against officials found guilty of negligence.