ISLAMABAD, July 22 (Alliance News): On July 22, Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar chaired a crucial meeting to address the welfare of overseas Pakistanis, resulting in the reversal of a recent policy halting passport issuance to Pakistani nationals seeking asylum abroad.
“The meeting discussed in detail the recent policy decision taken on June 5, 2024, to stop issuing passports to individuals seeking or living on asylum abroad. It was decided to reverse this policy decision immediately and withdraw the June 5 circular,” stated a press release.
The meeting was attended by the foreign secretary, interior secretary, Director General of Immigration and Passports (IMPASS), and senior foreign ministry officials.
Additionally, the discussion focused on delays in issuing passports to Pakistanis living abroad. The interior secretary and Director General of IMPASS briefed the Deputy Prime Minister on efforts to streamline the process.
Immediate steps will be taken by the Ministry of Interior and IMPASS to upgrade infrastructure and equipment within the next 45 days to clear the backlog and accelerate passport issuance for overseas Pakistanis.
