ISLAMABAD: An unprecedented increase has been recorded in the number of applications filed for the acquisition of Pakistani passports in the recent years.
This increase has been described by many people as a sign of rapid brain drain from Pakistan. A large number of people want to go abroad in search of green pastures due to economic meltdown and unemployment in Pakistan.
During the session of the Senate of Pakistan, the house was told that due to the large number of applications and the slow preparation of passports, the backlog was increasing.
The Senate was informed in a written reply by the ministry of interior that since to 2022 the passport and immigration office had been flooded by applications for the passports. The reply said that at present the passport officer receives 45000 to 50000 applications for passports every day and prepares around 20000 to 25000 passports daily.
The ministry also said that passports were being printed round the clock in three shifts and applications received in Pakistani missions and embassys abroad were also being entertained in Pakistan. Passports after being printed in Pakistan were being dispatched to foreign missions.
However, there was no delay in provision of passports on urgent applications. The ministry also said that after purchase and installation of new printers the delay in issuance of passports to the applicants would be resolved for good.
