In a groundbreaking development for Pakistani passport seekers, the long-standing passport backlog has been wiped out across the country. Under the directive of Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi, the Director General (DG) Passport team tackled the issue head-on, ensuring that thousands of delayed passports are now in the hands of citizens.
Working tirelessly, the DG Passport team cleared the backlog in all major cities. Islamabad resolved 14,673 cases, while Karachi issued a staggering 83,227 passports. Lahore’s Garden Town cleared 30,848 cases, with Raiwind processing 4,872 and Shadman 11,490. Major cities like Quetta, Rawalpindi, and Peshawar also saw thousands of cases closed—7,252, 18,400, and 23,145 respectively.
Across Pakistan, 5,650 urgent passports and 15,848 home-delivered passports were distributed. Embassies also processed 17,972 normal and 41,712 urgent passport cases, clearing the path for even smoother services ahead.
DG Passport Mustafa Jamal Qazi confirmed the milestone, proudly stating, “The passport backlog has been zeroed out in all major cities,” with ongoing efforts to eliminate delays nationwide. With 24/7 work in action, passport services are finally back on track, offering a massive sigh of relief to all Pakistani citizens.
Significance of this Pakistani Passport Initiative
This significant breakthrough comes at a time when thousands of Pakistanis are seeking to leave the country, many of them professionals and skilled workers in search of better opportunities abroad. The surge in demand for passports has mirrored the rising trend of brain drain, where a large number of educated Pakistanis are emigrating for career growth, stability, and a higher standard of living. The cleared backlog is expected to further accelerate this migration trend.
Pakistan has seen a marked increase in emigration over recent years, with professionals in sectors like healthcare, IT, and engineering leading the exodus. The country’s economic challenges, political instability, and lack of job opportunities have been cited as key reasons driving people to explore options overseas. With passports now being issued more efficiently, it’s likely we’ll see a continued rise in the number of citizens leaving for countries like the Middle East, Europe, and North America.
Experts have expressed concern over the brain drain, warning that the mass migration of skilled professionals could severely impact the country’s workforce and economic future. While addressing the passport backlog is a relief for those seeking to leave, the government may need to develop strategies to retain its talent and curb the growing emigration rate.