Foreign Office extends consular services to evening hours

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has introduced an evening shift for consular services to make it easier for citizens to access essential facilities outside conventional office hours.

Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar announced the new arrangement on Monday. Under the revised schedule, consular services will now remain available from 8am to 8pm, Monday through Friday.

The extended hours are aimed at improving access to services and making the process more convenient for applicants who cannot visit government offices during normal working hours.

The Foreign Office said the initiative is part of its broader effort to improve public service delivery and make consular facilities more citizen-friendly.

Previously, consular services were generally available during standard government office hours. This created difficulties for people with work commitments and for overseas Pakistanis who needed to visit the ministry for documentation and other consular matters.

The new evening shift will provide applicants with additional time to complete their requirements and access relevant services.

The ministry has also issued a public notice outlining the revised working hours and arrangements for consular services.

The Foreign Office said the initiative reflects its focus on improving efficiency, accessibility and the overall experience of citizens seeking consular assistance.