Director General of Immigration and Passport Mustafa Jamal Qazi on the issue of delay in issuance of passports National Assembly The Standing Committee for Admission has assured that ‘the backlog in the fast track category has been completely eliminated, while there is still a backlog of 170,000 in the urgent category.’
In a meeting chaired by National Assembly Standing Committee on Interior Raja Khurram Nawaz on Monday, DG Immigration and Passports said that the agency will eliminate all types of backlog by December 15.
On the issue of delay in the delivery of passports, DG Immigration and Passports Mustafa Jamal Qazi, while briefing the Interior Committee, said that ’20-year-old machines were being used. Earlier, 75,000 passports were made every day while the capacity was 22,000.
“Now we have 25 printers, which has increased the capacity (to produce passports). The backlog will be cleared in the next two to three weeks. Two new e-passport machines are also coming.’
DG Passport added that ‘we have earned Rs 50 billion last year and Rs 20 billion so far this year, but we are getting very little.’
He said that due to lack of funds, the required machines are not being updated. We are given the target but not the funds.’
Chairman Interior Committee Raja Khurram Nawaz said regarding the backlog of passports that ‘now the passport department is giving so much revenue, then they should also get the expenses. The passport should be made a separate authority or take it to Nadra.’
Committee member Sahar Kamran asked DG Passport, ‘What is your strategy to eliminate the backlog? Sometimes you run out of papers, sometimes you run out of ink.’
Committee member Kadir Patel remarked that ‘I think there is a conspiracy against DG Passport. Why did the backlog appear as soon as you arrived? Institutions are stuck in the paper rolls to procure machinery. Also inform about the cost of purchase of machines.’
DG Passports Mustafa Jamal Qazi, explaining the reasons, said that the demand for passports increased after the wave of Corona. An international tender was held for printers. German printers are the most advanced in the world. 4000 passports can be processed in an hour. When I took over, there was a backlog of 15 lakhs, we came and cleared the backlog.’
Students going abroad are also affected by the delay
Sahibzada Hamid Raza, member of the committee, said that ‘due to the delay in passports, students are also being affected. Is there any mechanism to issue passports to students and patients quickly?’
Zartaj Gul Wazir told DG Passport that ‘We are nuclear power but we don’t have paper to print passport. I want to perform Umrah, who is stopping me? When they earn 50 billion, they have the right to be given their rights.
Committee member Nabil Gabol said that it is a shame for me that the members of the assembly are not getting passports either. The issuing of passports should be rolled out by tomorrow, at least passports should be given to the members of the assembly.
DG Passports replied that ‘I have processed Hamid Raza Sahib’s passport myself.’
Street Crime in Islamabad
IG Islamabad while giving a briefing to the National Assembly Standing Committee on Interior regarding crimes in Islamabad said that ‘In the law and order situation, Islamabad Police performed special duties. In the first week of October, 31 police personnel were injured and one was martyred in the law and order situation. Security was provided to 348 VVIP movements in 11 months. 1140 foreign delegations and 85 sessions of Parliament were briefed.
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He told the committee that ‘2773 street crimes were registered from January 1, 2024 to November 7.’
He further informed that ‘last year a total of 3417 incidents took place, in which 93 were accidents, while 74 cases were reported during the current year.’
IG Islamabad said that ‘5718 calls of robbery and carjacking were received on 15, while the same number was 3897 in 2024. Snitching reported 2293 cases in 2023 and 1593 cases in 2024.
‘Surveillance is being done with the help of 3352 AI cameras, 568 fiber optics. We are using software with the help of AI, 31 gangs were arrested with the help of smart technology.’
IG Islamabad further said that ‘We have integrated the data bank of 23 lakhs with other provinces. 2000 personnel are patrolling in Dolphin, Ababil, Smart Car, Margalla Trail, City Watchers. We have made all the sections separately regarding investigation. Two people were killed and 12 injured in four bank robberies, the robbery was caught with the help of 10 teams. 1100 private cameras and 3100 Safe City cameras have been inspected.
Unprotected in Civil police stations of Islamabad
The chairman committee asked IG Islamabad that ‘you are the chief of police, is the perception of Islamabad police within the city correct? The image of the police is not good among the people. If the police inspector will speak in a good manner, then the good name IG will be from Islamabad. Once upon a time Islamabad Police had a name.
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#Backlog #passports #cleared #December #Officials
**Interview with Mustafa Jamal Qazi, Director General of Immigration and Passports**
**Editor:** Thank you for joining us today, Mr. Qazi. Let’s dive into the recent discussions about passport delays. You’ve mentioned that there’s still a backlog of 170,000 in the urgent category. What are the main factors contributing to this delay?
**Mustafa Jamal Qazi:** Thank you for having me. The delays have primarily been due to outdated machinery, specifically our ability to produce passports efficiently. We were using machines that are over 20 years old and, at their peak, we could only issue 22,000 passports a day against a demand that far exceeded that. We’ve recently increased our capacity, and I’m optimistic that we will clear the backlog in the next two to three weeks.
**Editor:** You’ve indicated an increase in production capacity with new printers. Can you elaborate on how this will impact the service level for applicants?
**Mustafa Jamal Qazi:** Absolutely. With the introduction of new printers and the anticipated arrival of two advanced e-passport machines, we expect to process a significantly higher volume of applications. This should not only address the backlog but also stabilize our future output to meet ongoing demand.
**Editor:** Funding has been raised as an issue in the past. Can you explain how it affects your operations?
**Mustafa Jamal Qazi:** Yes, funding is critical. Despite generating significant revenue—about Rs 50 billion last year—we often do not receive the necessary financial support needed to upgrade our technology. Without the right resources, it’s challenging to keep pace with demand or improve our services.
**Editor:** Some committee members have expressed concern about how the delays are affecting specific groups, like students and patients needing urgent passports. Is there any strategy to expedite services for them?
**Mustafa Jamal Qazi:** We are aware of the urgency for students and patients, and we are looking to implement a streamlined process specifically for these cases. We understand the crucial nature of passports for their immediate needs and aim to address this soon.
**Editor:** There have been suggestions about creating a separate authority for passport issuance. What are your thoughts on this?
**Mustafa Jamal Qazi:** Establishing a separate authority could potentially streamline operations and allow for more focused resources. However, it would require careful consideration regarding the implications and logistics involved in such a transition.
**Editor:** Some committee members suggested there is a conspiracy against you related to the backlog. How do you respond to these claims?
**Mustafa Jamal Qazi:** I believe the backlog is the result of multiple systemic issues rather than intentional negligence. The demand for passports surged post-COVID, and while we have made significant progress in clearing the backlog since I took over, there are challenges that we continue to face. Transparency and support are essential as we navigate these hurdles.
**Editor:** Lastly, with the impact of street crime and overall safety issues in Islamabad, how do you see the role of your agency in relation to public safety?
**Mustafa Jamal Qazi:** While our primary focus is on immigration and passport services, we collaborate with law enforcement agencies to ensure that the passport issuance process does not become a target for criminal activity. Public safety is a cornerstone of our operations, and we do our best to support broader security efforts.
**Editor:** Thank you, Mr. Qazi, for your insights. We hope to see improvements in the passport issuance process and appreciate your efforts during these challenging times.
**Mustafa Jamal Qazi:** Thank you for the opportunity. We are committed to resolving these issues and serving the public effectively.