ISLAMABAD: The number of official, or blue, passports has been brought down to 49,000 from 74,000 in keeping with international obligations and administrative requirements, Muhammad Ali Randhawa, the director general of Immigration and Passports, disclosed on Wednesday.
He shared this information with Syedaal Khan Nasar, the deputy chairman of Senate, during a meeting.
The existing mechanism for issuance of passports, institutional performance, security features and facilities being provided to the public came under discussion during the meeting.
The meeting also discussed the proposed introduction of passport issuance facilities through the National Database and Registration Authority (Nadra) in the near future, further strengthening passport security and measures to improve the country’s ranking.
Mr Nasar appreciated the government’s initiatives aimed at improving the passport issuance system, promoting the use of modern technology and enhancing public facilitation.
He termed the performance of the Directorate General of Immigration and Passports and its efforts towardsinstitutional reforms commendable, emphasising the need to further modernise the system in line with contemporary requirements.
Mr Nasar said the use of modern technology, digital systems and automation should be expanded at all stages of passport issuance to make the entire process, from submission of an application to passport delivery, faster, more transparent and accessible.
He emphasised that citizens should not face unnecessary delays, prolonged waiting periods or administrative complications, adding that an effective mechanism must be ensured for the prompt resolution of complaints.
‘Effective use of modern technology and improved administrative strategies could further strengthen public confidence in the institution, Mr Nasar added.
Meets tribal elders, lawyers The deputy chairman also met tribal elders, lawyers, representatives of civil society, students and other prominent personalities from different walks of life. During these interactions, matters relating to problems faced by the masses and the prevailing political situation were discussed.
Mr Nasar briefed the delegations about measures taken by the government to promote economic growth, control inflation and provide relief to the nation.
He cited the reduction in fuel prices as one suchstep and expressed the hope that it would have a knockon effect on the prices of other commodities.