THE Ministry of Foreign Affairs’ decision to introduce an evening shift for consular services at its headquarters is a commendable initiative that deserves appreciation. By extending service hours from 8:00 am to 8:00 pm on working days, the Ministry has taken a practical step towards improving public service delivery and making essential consular services more accessible and convenient for the people.
One routinely sees long queues outside the Foreign Office, where people wait for document attestation, verification and other consular services. The situation is particularly challenging for applicants travelling from other cities, who often have to bear the additional burden of travel expenses, accommodation and the loss of valuable working hours. The extended service timings will enable them to plan their visits more conveniently, reduce overcrowding during peak hours and improve the overall efficiency of service delivery. The initiative also reflects a welcome shift towards a more citizen-centric approach in public administration. Government departments must continuously explore ways to simplify procedures, reduce waiting times and make public services more responsive to the needs of the people. Such measures not only improve efficiency but also enhance public confidence in state institutions. While this initiative is a significant step forward, similar efforts should continue to facilitate overseas Pakistanis through the country’s diplomatic missions abroad. Millions of Pakistanis living and working overseas contribute
