Mohsin Naqvi removes entire Gujranwala passport office staff

LAHORE: Federal Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi has ordered the immediate removal of the entire staff of the Regional Passport Office in Gujranwala after finding the facility effectively closed nearly 30 minutes before its official working hours ended.

Naqvi made the surprise inspection on Thursday at around 4pm, while the office was officially scheduled to remain open until 4:30pm. Instead, the premises were reportedly being cleaned, the gates were locked and citizens seeking passport services were being kept outside.

The minister expressed strong displeasure over the situation and questioned how a public office could shut its doors while citizens were still arriving for services.

According to officials, only one employee was present when Naqvi reached the office. The employee was reportedly unable to provide a satisfactory explanation for the absence of the remaining staff or the early closure.

Naqvi subsequently directed authorities to remove the entire staff, initiate disciplinary proceedings and conduct an inquiry to determine responsibility. He stressed that negligence in public service delivery would not be tolerated and that government employees must remain at their posts throughout official working hours.

The incident also highlighted the inconvenience faced by ordinary citizens who depend on passport offices for time-sensitive documentation. People arriving at the Gujranwala office were reportedly turned away despite official service hours still being in effect.

Crackdown on Poor Public Service

The Gujranwala action comes amid increased scrutiny of passport offices and government service centres over delays, absenteeism and complaints about citizen facilitation.

Earlier this month, the government extended passport office timings in several major cities, including Gujranwala, as part of efforts to improve access to passport services.

Naqvi has also been conducting surprise inspections of public-facing facilities, with officials being warned that service delivery must remain uninterrupted.

Passport Services Coming to 24/7 NADRA Centre

In another significant move during his Gujranwala visit, Naqvi inspected the city’s 24/7 NADRA Mega Centre and interacted with citizens using its services.

The minister announced that passport services will soon be introduced at the NADRA Mega Centre, allowing residents to access identity and passport-related services at the same location.

The move is expected to provide citizens with an additional option for passport services while reducing pressure on conventional passport offices.

Naqvi also directed officials to address citizens’ complaints promptly and ensure that people visiting government facilities receive proper guidance and assistance.

The Gujranwala incident sends a clear message: for citizens waiting at government counters, official closing time means official closing time — not 30 minutes earlier.