ISLAMABAD: Citizens seeking to obtain passports have been given additional relief as the government has extended working hours at eight major regional passport offices across the country.
The first shift will be from 8am to 4pm, whereas the second shift will be from 4pm to 12am.
This new policy came into action on August 20, 2026, giving more opportunity to the citizens to apply for passports outside office hours.
According to the government, this policy was introduced in order to make sure that people have more access to passport services.
The notification applies to eight major regional passport offices, which will now provide services under the double-shift system on weekdays.
Pakistan expands e-passport services for overseas citizens
Earlier, the Directorate General of Immigration and Passports has reviewed plans to expand e-passport facilities for overseas Pakistanis, with a focus on improving access and streamlining the application process.
A meeting chaired by Director General Immigration and Passports Muhammad Ali Randhawa reviewed the performance of various departments and progress on ongoing initiatives.
Officials briefed the meeting on the e-passport system, including its advanced security features and compliance with international standards. The proposed expansion of services for overseas Pakistanis was also discussed, along with measures to make the process more efficient and accessible.
Randhawa stressed the need for digital transformation and improved institutional performance, directing officials to prioritise legal and policy reforms.
He assigned specific responsibilities to relevant officials and instructed them to ensure the timely and effective implementation of the planned measures.
