ISLAMABAD – Record numbers of Pakistanis are rushing to passport offices, and passport offices are facing a daily influx of thousands of applicants.
Amid the huge influx, the Directorate General of Immigration and Passport said passport delivery counters will remain open on weekends across Pakistan till March 15, 2024.
D.G Immigration and Passports Mustafa Qazi said the new move aimed to facilitate Hajj pilgrims. He said Hajj pilgrims can also visit passport delivery centers on weekends (Saturday and Sunday) till the mid of March.
He further said those who are traveling abroad can reach to the passport office from 9 am to 1 pm, including on Fridays, to obtain their passports.
Qazi confirmed that the issuance of passports for Hajj pilgrims has started nationwide, providing relief and excitement to thousands preparing for the pilgrimage. Regional passport offices are also open on Saturdays to help with passport applications.
Biometric verification is part of the procedure, followed by passport submission to the banks. The spokesperson emphasized the importance of pilgrims meeting the deadlines.
For the unversed, the last date for passport submission to banks is February 26 2024.
