The federal government has implemented a cashless payment system at passport offices across Pakistan, allowing applicants to pay passport fees through digital payment methods instead of cash. The initiative was announced by Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi on X, who stated that the new system would eliminate the need for citizens to stand in long queues for fee submission, making the application process more convenient.
Reform under PM Shehbaz Sharif's directives
Naqvi said the reform was completed under the directives of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif as part of broader efforts to modernize passport services. According to the minister, the digital payment system is expected to improve efficiency, enhance transparency, and speed up service delivery at passport offices nationwide.
Impact on service delivery
The cashless system is designed to streamline the fee collection process, reducing wait times and administrative burden. Applicants can now use debit cards, credit cards, or mobile banking apps to pay fees, eliminating the need for cash handling. This move aligns with the government's push for digitalization and e-governance in public services.
Mohsin Naqvi also commended the passport department for successfully implementing the reform and acknowledged the team's efforts in enhancing public services. He emphasized that the initiative is part of a series of measures to improve citizen experience and operational efficiency.
