Pakistani citizens are facing a unique obstacle in their quest for new passports – a shortage of lamination paper. According to reports, the country is experiencing a massive scarcity of lamination paper, resulting in a nationwide shortage of passports. This shortage is causing significant difficulties for thousands of individuals who need to travel for study, work, or leisure.
The Express Tribune reported that students in Pakistan who have been approved for visas to pursue degrees in countries like the UK or Italy are now stuck at home, anxiously awaiting their passports. The prolonged wait for these essential travel documents is putting their aspirations and opportunities at risk.
Hira, a student whose visa for Italy was recently approved, expressed her frustration, stating, “The unavailability of a passport robbed me of an opportunity to leave.” This sentiment echoes the concerns of many others who fear that the ongoing delay may result in missed opportunities and shattered dreams.
Interestingly, this is not the first time Pakistan has faced such a delay. In 2013, the country experienced a similar problem due to the Directorate General of Immigration & Passports (DGI&P) owing money to printers and a lack of lamination papers. The government official, Qadir Yar Tiwana, the Director General for Media of the Ministry of Interior, assured the public that the government is working towards resolving the crisis promptly. Tiwana stated, “The situation will soon be under control, and passport issuance will continue as normal.”
However, many residents have voiced their frustration with the lack of progress. Numerous individuals have received messages from the DGI&P stating that their passports are ready for pickup, only to be turned away when they arrive at the passport office. Muhammad Imran, a resident of Peshawar, shared his disappointing experience, saying, “Ever since September, the passport office has been stating that your passport will come next week, but multiple weeks have passed, and they keep repeating the same.”
The shortage of lamination paper for passports in Pakistan is causing significant inconvenience and distress for its citizens. As they anxiously await a resolution to this crisis, their hopes of pursuing educational and professional opportunities abroad hang in the balance.
