Law Minister Azam Nazeer Tarar informed the National Assembly on Tuesday said that new machinery and software would be installed to increase the printing capacity of passports from 26,000 to 60,000 per day by the end of September.

In response to a Calling Attention Notice regarding delays in issuing passports, the minister expressed optimism that the introduction of the new system would also help clear the existing backlog of passport applications.

In the PDM government, he said that orders were issued for the export of the new system and the process has continued under the interim government.

“We hope the new system will be installed soon, and the daily capacity for issuing passports will increase from 26,000 to 60,000,” he added.

The minister added that the number of missions has increased from 20 to 92 and with the increase in passport offices, there was a need for upgraded machinery and advanced printers to meet the demand.

Earlier this month, media reported that the federal government has issued tenders to purchase printing and e-passport machines to clear the backlog of over 800,000 pending passports.

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The authorities are receiving an average of 40,000 to 45,000 applications per day. Several applicants have complained about the significant delays in the issuance of Pakistani passports.

International tenders have also been issued for the acquisition of lamination paper. Earlier in March, it was reported that Pakistani passport applicants were experiencing unusual delays in receiving their passports, with over 550,000 individuals facing two to three months of wait time.