Good News for Passport Applicants: Backlog Finally Cleared in Pakistan
Islamabad, September 18, 2025 – In a significant development for Pakistani citizens at home and abroad, the Directorate General of Immigration and Passports has officially announced that the long-standing backlog of passport applications has been cleared to zero. The news comes as a relief for millions of applicants who, in recent years, faced long delays in receiving their passports due to high demand, technical hurdles, and administrative bottlenecks.
Backlog Reaches Zero
Director General of Passports, Mustafa Jamal Qazi, confirmed the achievement during a high-profile visit by the Bangladesh High Commissioner to Pakistan, Iqbal Hussain, on Thursday. The envoy was given a detailed tour of the Passport Headquarters, where he reviewed different sections and observed the modernized passport production process.
Speaking to reporters, Qazi said the clearance of the global backlog is a milestone achievement for the authority. “For the first time in years, passport applicants will no longer face unnecessary delays. Every pending application, both in Pakistan and at embassies worldwide, has been processed and delivered,” he stated.
New Technologies in Passport Production
The DG Passports highlighted that the achievement was made possible through a combination of technological upgrades and administrative reforms. He explained that the passport production facility is now equipped with state-of-the-art systems designed to ensure efficiency, security, and transparency.
Some of the improvements include:
- Advanced lamination techniques to prevent forgery and tampering.
- Enhanced security features embedded into the passports, making them compliant with international travel standards.
- Artificial Intelligence-based systems for quality checks and error reduction.
- User-friendly online services to simplify the application process, especially for overseas Pakistanis.
“These measures have not only improved delivery times but also strengthened the integrity of Pakistani passports at the global level,” Qazi noted.
Overseas Pakistanis to Benefit
A major focus of the reforms has been on facilitating overseas Pakistanis, who often face additional hurdles in renewing or applying for new passports while living abroad. The introduction of online services and AI-assisted monitoring has reduced the dependency on manual work at embassies, ensuring faster turnaround times.
The DG explained that with the backlog cleared, embassies and missions abroad can now issue passports in a timely manner, a development welcomed by the large Pakistani diaspora.
Praise from Bangladesh Envoy
High Commissioner Iqbal Hussain praised Pakistan’s efforts, calling the modernization of the passport system “a model for other countries in the region.” He expressed particular interest in the use of artificial intelligence in streamlining operations.
“Pakistan’s adoption of modern technologies in its passport system shows a strong commitment to good governance and service delivery. These reforms will certainly help citizens, especially those living overseas, and enhance trust in the system,” Hussain said.
He also acknowledged the importance of cooperation and knowledge-sharing between neighboring countries in the field of technology and administration.
Passport Services: A New Era
For Pakistani citizens, both local and overseas, the announcement marks the beginning of what officials describe as a “new era of passport services.” In recent years, delays of up to several months had frustrated applicants, particularly those who needed passports urgently for education, employment, medical treatment, or religious pilgrimages.
Officials said the new system now guarantees faster processing times and transparent procedures. The DG assured applicants that the authority has adopted a “zero-delay policy” moving forward.
How the Issue Was Solved
Experts within the department explained that clearing the backlog required a multi-pronged strategy. Key steps included:
- Increasing production capacity with new machines capable of handling larger volumes of printing and lamination.
- Introducing AI systems to track progress, detect errors, and maintain transparency.
- Hiring additional staff and providing specialized training to improve efficiency.
- Implementing online portals to reduce manual paperwork and speed up submissions.
- Strengthening coordination with embassies and consulates worldwide to ensure smooth overseas operations.
Through these reforms, the department was able to process thousands of pending cases in record time, bringing relief to applicants.
Citizens Welcome the Move
Reaction to the news has been overwhelmingly positive. Citizens who faced months-long waits in the past are now hopeful that future applications will be delivered on time. Many overseas Pakistanis shared their satisfaction on social media, saying the reforms will save them both time and money.
Travel agents and visa consultants also expressed relief, explaining that delays in passports often disrupted travel schedules, job offers, and study opportunities abroad. With the backlog resolved, they expect smoother operations for their clients.
Challenges Still Ahead
While the clearance of the backlog is a big success, experts warn that sustaining the achievement will require consistent efforts. Pakistan issues millions of passports each year, and with growing demand, the system must remain efficient to prevent future delays.
Officials agree that continuous upgrades in technology and strong monitoring systems will be essential to maintain the momentum.
Regional Significance
Observers say Pakistan’s achievement sets a positive example in South Asia, where many countries struggle with bureaucratic delays in passport and visa services. The visit of the Bangladeshi High Commissioner highlighted the possibility of regional collaboration in adopting advanced solutions for citizen services.
Looking Forward
The DG Passports assured the public that the department will continue to introduce more improvements in the coming months. Plans are already under consideration to expand the online system further, introduce mobile application services, and enhance security features to meet future international standards.
He added, “This is not the end of the journey but the beginning of a new chapter. Our goal is to make the Pakistani passport one of the most secure, reliable, and easily accessible travel documents in the world.”
Conclusion
The clearance of the global passport backlog is being hailed as a landmark achievement for Pakistan’s passport authority. With modernized facilities, AI-based monitoring, and citizen-friendly reforms, applicants can now look forward to faster, more secure, and hassle-free passport services.
For millions of Pakistanis, especially those living abroad, this development is more than just administrative progress—it represents hope, relief, and a smoother path to opportunities worldwide.
