ISLAMABAD: In an era where technology is often celebrated as the solution to bureaucratic inefficiencies, Pakistanis, however, face a stark reality.
A significant number of citizens in Islamabad are caught in a frustrating chase for their passports, with many experiencing delays of up to six months—far exceeding the promised processing time of 21 days set by the authorities for normal category.
As these delays mount, the impact is felt most acutely by those in urgent need: patients requiring critical medical treatment abroad, students eager to secure spots at foreign universities, and individuals seeking work visas.
Despite paying extra for “urgent” processing, countless applicants find themselves waiting for months without any resolution.
The prolonged uncertainty has only intensified their frustration and anxiety, underscoring an urgent need for reform and efficiency in the passport issuance system.
Shattered dreams
Faheem, a mechanical engineering graduate, is one of many affected by the sluggish passport process.
He recounted his ordeal stating, “I submitted my passport renewal application on August 17, and the Islamabad passport office issued a receipt stating it would be ready September 6, within 21 working days. Yet here I am, 67 days later, still without my renewed passport.”
He said he recently missed an interview for an opportunity in Qatar due to his invalid passport.
“When I approached an official at the passport office, he asked for additional fees, claiming it would only speed up the process by a week,” he claimed.
Frustrated, Faheem expressed, “It’s outrageous that instead of helping citizens, the government department seems more intent on profiting from our desperation. It feels like a deliberate attempt to extort money from the public.”
He lamented that sometimes they claim the system is down or that the server is acting up. Other times, they blame delays on imported paper from Europe that has not arrived yet.
It’s outrageous that instead of helping citizens, the government department seems more intent on profiting from our desperation.” – Mechanical engineering graduate Faheem
On some occasions, they simply brush off citizens, saying the backlog is overwhelming and it will take a few more weeks to catch up, he added.
Tariq Usman, a lecturer at a government college, shared his disappointment as well.
“I had hoped to present my research paper at an educational conference at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, USA.”
The conference committee even sent him an invitation letter to apply for a visa.
“However, despite applying for my passport renewal on October 4, with a promised processing time of 21 working days, I’m still waiting,” the disappointed academic said.
He added that when he visited the passport office recently, the assistant director was unable to provide any delivery timeline.
“It would have had the honour to represent my country in the USA, but now my dream of presenting a research paper I worked tirelessly on for months seems to be slipping away.”
Tahir, a prospective student aiming to study abroad, voiced his dismay saying “My mother has saved every penny for my education overseas, despite our financial struggles. I applied for a passport with the regular fee. Now, over three months have passed and I still haven’t received it.”
Verification blues
Likewise, students at the Higher Education Commission (HEC), Foreign Office, and Inter Boards Coordination Committee (IBCC) find themselves in a frustrating situation. Despite having carefully fulfilled all requirements in advance, they still face considerable hurdles in obtaining their CNIC and getting their academic and other documents attested and verified.
Students who want to get their academic degrees attested by the Higher Education Commission (HEC) complain about missing documents and long delays.
Each story adds to the shared feeling of frustration.
Ahmed, a recent graduate, had to attest his degree. He said when he arrived at the HEC office, the waiting area was filled with anxious students and their families, all sharing the same goal yet facing the same obstacles.
Ahmed was told the online application system was malfunctioning for days.
“You need to submit your application in person,” an official finally told him, but the line for in-person submissions stretched endlessly.
Official promises
Federal Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi last week opened a Passport and Immigration Headquarters, alongside the Islamabad Regional Passport Office, which will operate around the clock.
While inaugurating the office, the minister said citizens will be offered 24/7 passport issuance at NADRA mega centres spread across 14 cities.
“Citizens will now receive their passports on time,” he assured the public.
