SIALKOT, Aug 24: People protested in front of the regional office on Tuesday against suspension of issuance of passports. The office stopped issuingpassports 40 days ago due to non-availability of blank copies.

Traders expressed concern over the situation, urging the government to take steps for immediate issuance of passports. Residents of Narowal also protested against the authorities as it had been given the status of district in 1990, but no passport office has yet been opened here.

GUJRANWALA: A large number of people, including Umra pilgrims, expressed concern over non-issuance of passports. Reports said interior ministry announced issuance of computerized passports.

But, they alleged, instead of issuance of computerized passports, shortage of blank copies of manual passports was created. They said they had deposited fee with banks, but yet to get passports.

When contacted, the district passport officer said manual passport booklets have not been printed due to rush of work. It would be provided to the district passport offices shortly, he added.

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