The federal government has decided to keep at least one passport office open 24/7 in both Lahore and Karachi to provide ease to the people, Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi said on Sunday.

“This will make it easier for everyone to access passport services anytime,” he said in a social media post on X.

With the implementation of this measure, individuals residing in Lahore and Karachi will have the flexibility to access passport services outside of regular business hours, accommodating diverse schedules and minimizing any inconvenience caused by time constraints.

The move is expected to significantly alleviate the burden on existing passport offices and reduce waiting times for applicants. It is also anticipated to cater to the needs of a larger number of individuals, including those who may find it difficult to visit during standard working hours due to personal or professional commitments.

The specific locations and operational details of the 24/7 passport offices in Lahore and Karachi are yet to be announced.

The move is also expected to address the challenges faced by applicants who struggle to visit passport offices during regular working hours due to various commitments. With the implementation of this measure, individuals will have the opportunity to submit their applications, complete necessary procedures, and resolve any passport-related matters at their convenience.

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Last month, Naqvi suspended passport officials following mounting complaints of bribery and corruption within passport offices.

He took the decision after visiting the Lahore Passport Office in Garden Town where he saw a troubling situation, as citizens voiced grievances about long queues, the prevalence of bribery, the dominance of mafia agents, and a backlog of complaints.

He ordered the replacement of the deputy director and assistant director, while also directing legal action against them.