Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi announced Thursday that new passport regulations are being introduced to stop the growing problems of begging and illegal immigration, framing the measure as a step towards restoration of Pakistan’s image internationally, Pakistan radio reported.
By chairing a meeting at the General Directorate of Immigration and Passports in Islamabad, NAQVI instructed officials to quickly end all the necessary legal procedures to implement the new policy.
“These new requirements will act as a deterrent element for those who use the system badly, including beggars and illegal migrants,” Naqvi said. In addition, he emphasized the need to meet 100% in the blockade of the passports of the deported people from foreign countries.
The Minister of State for the Interior Talal Chaudhry, who was also present, commented that the new rules would send a positive message to the global community about Pakistan’s commitment to responsible trips and immigration management.
During the visit, NAQVI also inspected six newly installed machine-readable passport machines (MRP) and two E-Passport systems, which are expected to increase the printing capacity of the passport and reduce the processing time for applicants.
He also held a meeting with a German technical team that supervised the installation process, reflecting international collaboration in technological improvements.
DG Passports Mustafa Jamal Qazi informed the minister about the next initiatives, including the launch of a mobile application aimed at rationalizing services and improving accessibility for citizens.
