Govt Cuts Passport Time, Introduces Cashless System

The federal government has approved a series of reforms aimed at enhancing the passport issuance process, focusing on reducing turnaround times and implementing a nationwide cashless payment system across passport offices.

During a meeting chaired by Mohsin Naqvi and attended by Minister of State Talal Chaudhry, it was decided to reduce the standard passport processing period from 21 days to 14 days.

The session, which included the Federal Secretary Interior and the Director General of Passports and Immigration, primarily addressed operational inefficiencies and delays experienced by applicants.

As part of the reform measures, the Interior Ministry has set a 15-day timeline for the rollout of digital payment systems at all passport offices, effectively phasing out cash transactions and shifting fee payments to authenticated digital platforms.

Officials noted that the move toward a cashless framework is intended to enhance transparency and minimize the involvement of intermediaries in the application process.

The meeting also reviewed proposals to introduce a “business passport” category designed to facilitate individuals engaged in frequent international travel for commercial purposes.

Additionally, plans to upgrade the home delivery mechanism were discussed to ensure quicker and more dependable dispatch of passports to applicants.

The Interior Minister further directed authorities to work towards the establishment of a dedicated passport authority to manage operations, with an emphasis on technological improvements and service delivery enhancements.