Naqvi visits passport office at Karachi's Awami Markaz, says facility to be expanded

Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi visited the passport office at Karachi’s Awami Markaz on Saturday, expressing plans to expand the facility for citizens’ convenience, as per his ministry. During his meeting with citizens, Naqvi inquired about the time taken between token issuance and passport counter turn. Citizens shared that their work was completed swiftly, and they expressed satisfaction with the passport issuance system.

No difficulties were reported in obtaining a passport, and no waiting was necessary. The interior ministry attributed these claims to the applicants.

In June, passport office officials at Awami Markaz were suspended after a foreign national received a Pakistani passport there. Naqvi also inspected Jinnah International Airport, where the immigration system malfunctioned. He contacted relevant officials to resolve the issue immediately, emphasizing that the immigration process must not be halted under any circumstances.

Naqvi met passengers departing for foreign countries and inquired about the immigration process. He pledged strict action against passengers with fake documents, stating that those with incomplete or unverified documents would not be allowed to travel. Naqvi had previously visited Karachi in late July, meeting with President Asif Ali Zardari.

He has also faced criticism for his comments on the country’s governance system and proposed creation of new provinces.