RAWALPINDI: The Central Government will shortly decide a number of measures to simplify the procedure for the issue of passports, it was learnt here yesterday [Nov 29]. Among other measures, it is proposed to do away with the requirements of furnishing financial guarantees by applicants for the issue of passports. This requirement has in the past been a great problem for the applicants. …

Procedure for verification by Police is also being simplified. Reference to special branches of the Police which is in addition to reference to the local Police, will be dispensed with. In future, if at all, a reference to Police will be necessary, it will be made direct to the thana concerned of the applicant to enable expeditious submission of the reports about his antecedents. The report from thanas would be routed through the Superintendent of Police of the area. After the implementation of these measures issue of passports would become a routine affair, and eliminate malpractices and corruption. More staff is being sanctioned and new passport offices are also being opened. Some passport officers have been forced to go on leave so that the cases of fraudulent issue of passports are investigated and pinpointed. — News agencies

Published in Dawn, December 1st, 2022