In a landmark achievement for public service delivery, the Directorate General of Immigration & Passports (DGIP) has successfully cleared its entire backlog of pending applications. The department has issued a staggering 5.55 million passports to citizens across Pakistan and abroad, marking a significant milestone in its operational history.
A Monumental Effort to Clear the Backlog
The massive issuance drive was a focused effort to address long-standing delays that had plagued the passport service for years. Officials confirmed that the backlog, which had accumulated due to various administrative and technical challenges, has now been completely eliminated. This initiative directly benefits millions of Pakistanis who were awaiting their crucial travel and identity documents.
The scale of this operation is unprecedented. Processing and delivering over five and a half million passports required a concerted effort from all regional and international offices of the DGIP. The successful clearance is seen as a major step towards restoring public trust in government service delivery mechanisms.
New Online System Launched for Future Applications
To prevent the recurrence of such a backlog and to modernize its services, the DGIP has simultaneously launched a new, streamlined online application system. The core feature of this digital overhaul is an online appointment mechanism.
Under this new system, applicants are now required to book their slot via the official DGIP website or designated channels before visiting a passport office. This move is designed to eliminate long, disorderly queues and reduce wait times at physical offices, creating a more efficient and citizen-friendly process.
The introduction of mandatory online appointments represents a significant shift in how passport services will be accessed in Pakistan. It aligns with the broader "Digital Pakistan" vision and aims to bring transparency and order to the application procedure.
Implications and the Road Ahead
The clearance of the 5.55 million passport backlog has immediate and positive implications. It facilitates travel for work, education, and pilgrimage, and provides official identification to millions. The economic impact is also substantial, as delays in obtaining passports can hinder overseas employment and business travel.
However, the true test of this reform will be the sustained performance of the new online system. The DGIP's challenge now is to ensure the digital platform remains robust, user-friendly, and accessible to all citizens, including those with limited digital literacy. Continuous monitoring and technical support will be crucial to maintain the momentum gained from this backlog clearance drive.
This dual achievement—clearing a historic backlog and implementing a modern appointment system—sets a new benchmark for other government departments. It demonstrates that with focused effort, persistent delays in public services can be overcome through a combination of administrative resolve and technological integration.
