ISLAMABAD: Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi has announced to 24 hours passport counters would soon be available in 16 cities across the country.

At the inauguration of a state-of-the-art Passport Office in Islamabad, Naqvi highlighted the transformative modernization of both the National Database and Registration Authority (NADRA) and the Passport Office, a milestone aimed at restoring public trust in these critical institutions.

“We have eliminated the backlog of passport applications that once stretched up to six months. Citizens can now expect to receive their passports within the stipulated time frame,” Naqvi stated, emphasizing the progress made in streamlining services.

The minister underscored the urgent need for a dedicated Passport Authority to address recurring issues. While acknowledging delays caused by interdepartmental coordination, he expressed optimism about establishing a fully operational authority soon.

“The absence of an authority has resulted in citizens being deprived of their rightful salaries for two years. Only by cutting through bureaucratic red tape can we ensure more efficient and timely services,” Naqvi added.

To further enhance accessibility, Naqvi announced plans to launch 24-hour passport counters in 14 to 16 cities across Pakistan. These counters will provide round-the-clock services, enabling citizens to access passport facilities at their convenience.

“Immediate 24-hour services are already available at the Islamabad Passport Office, and we are actively working to replicate this model in Lahore and Karachi,” he shared.