KARACHI: Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi on Saturday visited the passport office at Karachi’s Awami Markaz and announced plans to expand the facility to improve services and convenience for citizens.
According to the Interior Ministry, Naqvi interacted with applicants at the passport centre and asked them about the time they had to wait between receiving their tokens and being served at the counters.
The ministry said citizens expressed satisfaction with the passport issuance process, with several applicants reporting that their applications were processed within a few minutes.
The minister was told that applicants were not facing significant difficulties or prolonged waiting times while obtaining their passports.
Awami Markaz Office to Be Expanded
During his visit, Naqvi directed that the passport facility be expanded to better accommodate citizens and improve service delivery.
The visit comes after an earlier controversy involving the same office. In June, officials at the Awami Markaz passport office were suspended after a foreign national was reportedly issued a Pakistani passport.
Naqvi Reviews Immigration Operations at Karachi Airport
The interior minister also visited Jinnah International Airport, where he reviewed immigration procedures and inspected counters following a malfunction in the immigration system.
Naqvi contacted the relevant officials and instructed them to resolve the technical issue immediately. He also directed authorities to establish alternative arrangements so that immigration operations could continue during similar disruptions.
He stressed that the immigration process should not be suspended under any circumstances.
During the airport visit, Naqvi also spoke with passengers travelling abroad and asked about their experience with the immigration process.
Strict Action Ordered Against Fake Documents
The interior minister directed officials to take strict action against passengers attempting to travel using fraudulent documents.
He further ordered that passengers whose travel documents are incomplete or have not been properly verified should not be permitted to travel.
The instructions are part of the government’s efforts to strengthen immigration controls and prevent the misuse of Pakistani travel documents.
Naqvi has made several visits to Karachi in recent months, including meetings with senior officials and visits to public service facilities. His earlier surprise inspection of a National Database and Registration Authority (NADRA) mega centre in Safoora Goth also focused on the delivery of services to citizens.
The interior minister has recently faced political criticism over remarks concerning Pakistan’s governance system and the possibility of creating new provinces. PPP leaders in Sindh have also criticised his statements and called for his resignation.