Abdul Hadi Mayar
The Director General of Immigration and Passport has contradicted media reports about heavy accumulation of passport backlog, claiming that printing of passport is continuing without any interruption.
There were media reports last week that Passport Offices throughout the country had stopped issuing passport to the people and the current backlog had risen to a staggering figure of 16.5 million.
It was on account of these reports that DG Immigration and Passport had to make explanation before the Senate Standing Committee on Interior.
The reports had blamed the backlog on shortage of printing ink and lamination paper holding the Federal Board of Revenue responsible for blocking consignments of these items for Passport Offices.
The reports had caused concern to those trying to proceed abroad for studies or medical treatment.
“Printing of passports is continuing without uninterruptedly and priority is being given to the expatriate Pakistanis in this regard,” DG Passport said today.