ISLAMABAD: Passport delivery counters across the nation will extend their services to weekends starting from March 2 to March 15, announced a representative from the Immigration and Passport (IMPASS) on Sunday.
Director General of Immigration and Passports, Mustafa Jamal Qazi, highlighted in a press release by the IMPASS that this measure is to aid individuals intending to embark on the Haj pilgrimage.
During the aforementioned period, passport delivery centers will remain operational on Saturdays and Sundays, Qazi added.
Furthermore, citizens can also reach out to the passport office between 9 am to 1 pm even on Fridays to obtain their passports.
The distribution of passports for prospective Haj pilgrims has commenced nationwide, providing relief and anticipation for the numerous individuals preparing for the pilgrimage, the spokesman noted.
Regional passport offices have exclusively opened on Saturdays to facilitate the efficient processing of passport applications, he emphasized.
The issuance of passports primarily targets the 28,000 Haj pilgrims opting for the official package, urging them to promptly initiate the necessary procedures at the relevant passport office. It’s noteworthy that the process involves biometric verification followed by the submission of passports to the respective banks, according to sources within the Ministry of Religious Affairs.
Pilgrims are reminded of the significance of adhering to the specified timelines, with the deadline for passport submission to banks set for February 26, stressed the spokesman. This deadline marks a crucial milestone in the Haj preparation journey, underlining the importance of completing administrative formalities on time.
As the passport issuance process gains momentum, anticipation grows among pilgrims eager to embark on the sacred journey. The coordinated efforts of all stakeholders reflect a collective commitment to ensuring a smooth and efficient process.
(Islamabad51_Newsdesk)
