Despite directives from Passport and Immigration Department to keep passport offices open round the clock, the passport office in Garden Town, Lahore, failed to initiate night shifts as per the issued notification.

This delay in implementation has raised concerns regarding the efficiency of passport services and adherence to government orders.

Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi had issued orders to operate passport offices round the clock to facilitate citizens and expedite the passport issuance process. In line with this directive, the Passport and Immigration Department issued a notification outlining three shifts: 8am to 4pm, 4pm to 12am, and 12am to 8am for passport offices in Lahore and Karachi.

Also Read: 24/7 passport services launched in Karachi and Lahore

However, the office in Garden Town, Lahore, did not commence its night shift as scheduled.

The failure to initiate the night shift has sparked frustration among citizens who rely on timely passport services. Many had anticipated the extended operating hours to alleviate the congestion and long waiting periods typically experienced during regular office hours.

Minister Naqvi took to X, formerly known as Twitter, to announce the implementation of this initiative, underscoring its potential to revolutionize public access to passport facilities.

Also Read: Persistent delays in passport issuance irk applicants in Multan, Lahore

The interior minister ensured at least one passport office in each city remains operational round the clock, starting May 7.

The Regional Passport Office at Awami Markaz Sharea Faisal in Karachi and the Regional Passport Office in Garden Town, Lahore, are poised to serve as the frontline facilitators of this pioneering service.

However, challenges persist, as evidenced by the recent shortage of lamination sheets—a crucial component in passport production. Imported from Germany, these sheets are integral to ensuring the security features of passports.