ISLAMABAD: The Directorate General of Immigration and Passports has released its annual performance report, highlighting a range of significant improvements in passport services and infrastructure across Pakistan and abroad — with a strong emphasis on modernization, accessibility, and transparency.
According to the report, the total number of passport offices in Pakistan has now reached 232, while 93 passport facilities operate overseas to serve the Pakistani diaspora. Over the past 17 years, the department has issued an average of 3.4 million passports annually, bringing the total to more than 55 million.
However, the demand has risen sharply in the last two years. The report reveals that 6.7 million passports were issued each year during this period — adding up to over 13 million passports issued in just 24 months.
Support for Overseas Pakistanis and Digital Expansion
A key focus of the report is the enhanced support for overseas Pakistanis. In the past year alone, more than 130,000 Pakistanis living abroad benefited from online passport services, streamlining access without requiring in-person visits to embassies or consulates.
The Directorate also announced the nationwide rollout of an e-gate system, designed to work in tandem with e-passports to expedite processing and strengthen security. The passport application mobile app was also upgraded to provide better user experience and more robust digital functionality.
Revenue Generation and Modernization Efforts
From a financial standpoint, the department has been a major contributor to the national treasury. Over the last 16 years, the Passport Directorate has deposited Rs295.7 billion into government coffers. Notably, in just the past two years, it has doubled its annual contribution to Rs40 billion per year — a reflection of increased demand and improved efficiency.
The department also reported the issuance of 53 Pakistan Citizenship Certificates, 4,447 renunciation certificates, and one naturalization certificate in the last year.
Strengthening Infrastructure and Service Delivery
Throughout the year, major steps were taken to upgrade the physical and technical infrastructure of passport services. Thirty-two new passport counters were established nationwide, while dedicated counters were also set up in all provincial assemblies and bar councils to better serve legal and legislative professionals.
In addition, 24/7 passport issuance services have been made available in all major cities, according to DG Passports Mustafa Jamal Qazi. To support these expanded operations, the department procured 10 high-speed passport printers and 6 lamination machines to ensure faster processing and reduce wait times.
Many passport offices across the country were transformed into state-of-the-art facilities, providing citizens with a more comfortable and efficient environment. Over 73,700 complaints lodged through the Prime Minister’s Performance Delivery Unit (PMDU) were also successfully resolved during the year — an indication of improved public service and responsiveness.
Commitment to Citizen-Centric, Technology-Driven Services
DG Passports Mustafa Jamal Qazi emphasized that the department is working tirelessly to meet the growing demands of a digitally connected population. He noted that following the abolishment of the “bag lock” system, the shift to round-the-clock service has now become possible, bringing a new level of accessibility for passport applicants.
“Our mission is to offer secure, timely, and citizen-focused passport services to every Pakistani — whether they’re in Lahore, Karachi, or living overseas,” said Qazi. “The Passport Department is no longer a slow, bureaucratic process. We are building a modern institution that meets today’s expectations.”
