Number of blue passports brought down to 49,000 from 74,000, DG says

ISLAMABAD: The Directorate General of Immigration and Passports, led by Muhammad Ali Randhawa, has reduced the number of official or blue passports from 74,000 to 49,000, adhering to international obligations and administrative needs, Randhawa disclosed to Syedaal Khan Nasar, the Deputy Chairman of the Senate, in a meeting on Wednesday.

The meeting centered on the current passport issuance system, its performance, security aspects, and services provided to the public. The Deputy Chairman of the Senate, Nasar, lauded the government's efforts in improving the passport issuance process through technological advancements and public facilitation. He emphasized the importance of expanding modern technology and automation at all stages of passport issuance to expedite the entire process, from application submission to passport delivery, making it more transparent and accessible.

Nasar stressed the need to prevent unnecessary delays, long waiting periods, and administrative difficulties, ensuring an effective mechanism for resolving complaints promptly. He conveyed that effective use of modern technology and improved administrative strategies could bolster public confidence in the institution. During the meeting, Nasar also engaged with tribal elders, lawyers, civil society representatives, students, and other influential individuals, discussing issues faced by the masses and the political landscape.

He informed the groups about government initiatives to boost economic growth, control inflation, and provide relief to the nation, highlighting the decrease in fuel prices and expressing hope that it would impact the prices of other commodities positively.