A severe shortage of lamination paper in Pakistan has caused extensive delays in the issuance of passports across the nation, with Karachi, the country’s largest city, being significantly affected by this crisis. Reports indicate that approximately 500,000 passport applications are currently pending processing, including both renewals and new issuances, all due to the shortage of lamination paper.
Citizens who have applied for passports have been left in the lurch, as authorities are struggling to meet the demand, despite applicants paying extra fees for expedited services. Many individuals have voiced their frustrations, citing extended waiting periods and uncertain timelines for when they can expect to receive their passports.
Officials from the passport office in Karachi have confirmed that the lamination paper required for passport production has indeed arrived at the Karachi Port. However, the situation has been exacerbated by clearance issues that have prevented the paper from being released to the passport office. The delay in obtaining this essential material has had a significant impact on passport processing times.
Furthermore, officials have warned that unless the lamination paper is promptly released, further delays in passport issuance are inevitable, and the backlog of applications is likely to grow even larger. With the backlog already reaching alarming levels, the situation is worsening due to the continuous influx of new passport applications.
The crisis has left countless Pakistanis in limbo, affecting their ability to travel, work, and access essential services. As the government and relevant authorities grapple with the lamination paper shortage and clearance issues, citizens anxiously await a resolution to this pressing issue.
The situation underscores the urgent need for a comprehensive solution to address the lamination paper shortage and streamline the passport issuance process to serve the best interests of the Pakistani people.
