The Directorate General of Immigration and Passport Office has asked Customs for urgent help to clear a shipment of ink cartridges to avoid a passport printing crisis.
The DG wrote to the Customs Collector requesting clearance of the ink cartridges on deferred payments due to a lack of funds or delays in processing customs duties. This delay is affecting passport operations.
The ink cartridge shipment is expected at Islamabad International Airport on 28-07-2024 and needs urgent clearance to prevent a backlog in passport printing, which could lead to a national crisis.
The DG has requested to clear the shipment on a deferred payment basis and promises to settle the customs duties within 15 days of release. Some believe the passport office is exaggerating its financial problems to push for a higher status.