In a bid to tackle the passport printing issue, th authorities have announced the procurement of significant new equipment.
The plan includes the acquisition of 20 new laminators and printers, alongside 5 modern RMPs (Reprint Management Printers) and 2 e-passport printers.
The introduction of these new machines is set to substantially improve the passport production capacity. According to the authorities, the new printers and laminators will enable the issuance of up to 1,000 passports per hour.
This upgrade is expected to boost the daily printing capacity from the current 22,000 to approximately 55,000 passports.
In preparation for this increased production, the authorities have also ordered lamination paper stock for the next six months. This strategic move is anticipated to alleviate the backlog, with operations expected to return to normal by the last week of September.
To further support the increased production, the authorities have decided to purchase additional printers twice a year, ensuring sustained enhancement of printing capacity.
Moreover, a new database system will be established to expedite processing, facilitating quicker verification of data from institutions such as NADRA.
The decision follows concerns raised during a National Assembly session where members of the Pakistan People's Party issued an ‘attention notice’ regarding the delays in passport issuance.
In response, Law Minister Azam Nazir Tarar assured that the introduction of the new system would resolve the passport printing issues by September.
He expressed optimism that the overhaul would effectively address the current backlog of passport applications.
