Interior minister inspects passport office and Karachi airport, orders service improvements and action against fake travel documents.
KARACHI: Federal Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi on Friday inspected passport and immigration services in Karachi, visiting the Passport Office at Awami Markaz and Jinnah International Airport to review facilities and service delivery for citizens and passengers.
During his visit to the Passport Office at Awami Markaz, the interior minister met citizens who had arrived to obtain or renew their passports and sought feedback on the processing system.
Mohsin Naqvi specifically asked applicants about the time taken from issuance of their tokens until they were called for processing.
Citizens expressed satisfaction with the passport issuance system and appreciated the services being provided at the office. Several visitors said they had come for passport renewal and that the process had been completed within a few minutes.
They told the minister they had faced no difficulties and had not been required to wait for extended periods.
The interior minister said the Awami Markaz Passport Office would be expanded to provide greater convenience and improved facilities for citizens.
Mohsin Naqvi inspects immigration counters at Karachi airport
Later, Mohsin Naqvi visited Jinnah International Airport, where he inspected immigration counters and interacted with passengers travelling abroad.
The minister asked passengers about their experience and sought feedback on the immigration process and facilities available at the airport.
During the inspection, the immigration system experienced a technical outage. Mohsin Naqvi immediately contacted the relevant authorities by telephone and directed them to resolve the issue at the earliest.
He stressed that alternative arrangements must remain available in the event of a system failure, directing officials to ensure that immigration processing does not come to a halt under any circumstances.
Strict action ordered against fake documents
The interior minister also directed Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) officers to take strict action against passengers attempting to travel using fake documents.
Mohsin Naqvi said passengers carrying incomplete or unverified travel documents must not be permitted to travel under any circumstances.
The minister’s visits formed part of efforts to improve passport and immigration services, reduce waiting times and ensure uninterrupted processing for citizens and international travellers.