Pakistan Passport System Glitch Causes Global Disruptions
A technical glitch in the central passport system in Islamabad has caused temporary disruptions and delays in the process of new passport applications and renewals in Pakistani embassies and consulates around the world.
This situation has been going on for the last four to five days and the central system could not be fixed in Islamabad, especially Pakistanis living and working in Saudi Arabia and the Gulf are in trouble.
It should be noted that only with a renewed passport can their residence permits be renewed or they can travel.
Many Pakistanis go to their homes for Eid-ul-Adha and due to this difficulty, they are unable to travel.
It should be noted that after a technical glitch emerged in the central server of the Directorate General Immigration and Passports, Islamabad, the system of Pakistani missions abroad was affected, because the entire passport data and processing is linked to the central system.
Due to this situation, passport-related services in Pakistani embassies in Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, the United States, the United Kingdom and other countries have been partially suspended.
In the Pakistani consulate in Jeddah alone, more than 600 Passport services are provided to 700 Pakistanis daily.
Sources say that these technical issues have come to light during the upgrade of the new digital passport system and the implementation of a modern monitoring system by the government of Pakistan.
According to officials, this is a temporary problem and work is underway to restore the system.
Due to dependence on the central digital system, whenever a technical failure occurs in Islamabad, it immediately affects Pakistani missions around the world.
Due to this situation, passport services have been suspended in Pakistani embassies in Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, the United States, the United Kingdom and other countries.
The government of Pakistan is currently undergoing a process of completely digitalizing and modernizing (Digital Overhaul) the passport system to create a central system in Islamabad.
Several important changes are being introduced under this new system.
Under this modern system, a modern monitoring system called “SHIKRA” is also being introduced, which will monitor every stage from passport application to its delivery and will provide convenience to the passport issuer.
This upgrade process has caused a technical glitch.
Government officials say that the system aims to bring Pakistan’s passport system in line with modern international standards, increase transparency and provide faster services to citizens.
After the full implementation of the new digital system, passport services will become faster, safer and more effective than before.
Currently, due to the current delay, numerous Pakistanis are unable to complete documents related to employment abroad and are facing financial losses and legal complications.
