IN recent weeks, the country witnessed an unfortunate and entirely avoidable crisis — a shortage of lamination paper, a crucial component in the production of passports. The Directorate General of Immigration & Passports confirmed that the scarcity of this paper, typically imported from France, led to a nationwide backlog in passport issuance since November. This delay left countless individuals stranded, unable to pursue their overseas aspirations for various purposes.
The question that naturally arises is: Why was the lamination paper not imported in a timely manner? This oversight, resulting in a recurring issue, raises serious concerns about the competence of the authorities responsible for managing such critical resources. Past instances of lamination paper shortages should have served as a stark reminder, urging proactive measures to ensure a continuous supply chain. Passports are not just documents; they represent the key to opportunities, experiences and livelihoods for countless individuals. The delay in issuing these vital documents would have caused irreparable losses for those who depend on timely passport issuance to pursue education, employment or personal travel. The Directorate General of Immigration & Passports generates revenue from passport issuance, and individuals pay fees that exceed the production cost. Despite this financial inflow, the delay in importing lamination paper and subsequent passport issuance highlights a glaring mismanagement of resources. The people deserve an explanation as to why this delay occurred despite the financial means are available. Moving forward, it is imperative that necessary steps be taken to prevent the recurrence of such a dire situation. The availability of lamination paper should be regularly monitored and proactive measures should be put in place to ensure a continuous supply. The Passport Office should streamline its operations and adopt efficient strategies to prevent future delays that can disrupt the lives and plans of the people. While it is reassuring that lamination paper has now been arranged and the backlog is being addressed, the Passport Office must expedite the processing of pending applications on a fast track basis. This is essential to minimize the inconvenience caused to individuals and ensure that the passport issuance system operates seamlessly. The Passport Office should be committed to providing efficient services that align with the aspirations and timelines of the people it serves.
