ISLAMABAD: Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi has ordered the removal of the entire staff of a regional passport office in Gujranwala after finding the facility closed before the official end of working hours during an unannounced visit.
Naqvi visited the passport office without prior notice and found its doors locked at around 4pm, despite the facility being scheduled to remain open until 4:30pm. Citizens seeking passport services were reportedly turned away, while cleaning activities were also underway inside the office.
The situation angered the interior minister, who questioned why the public service facility had been closed before the designated closing time.
“If the office timing is until 4:30pm, why has it been locked at 4pm?” Naqvi asked during the visit.
He also questioned the absence of employees and the manner in which citizens were being treated. The minister stressed that government offices responsible for public services must remain accessible during official working hours.
According to the Interior Ministry, only one staff member was present when Naqvi arrived. The official was reportedly unable to provide satisfactory answers to the minister’s questions regarding the office’s early closure and staff absence.
Following the inspection, Naqvi ordered the removal of the entire staff from their current positions and directed authorities to initiate disciplinary proceedings over alleged negligence in official duties.
The interior minister further warned that negligence in public service delivery would not be tolerated. He said government officials must ensure that citizens receive timely and proper services, particularly at offices dealing directly with essential documents such as passports.
The action reflects the government’s stated focus on improving efficiency and accountability within public-facing departments. Passport offices across Pakistan provide critical services to citizens applying for new passports, renewals and other travel documents.
The unannounced inspection also highlights the role of surprise visits in identifying administrative shortcomings and ensuring that government offices follow their announced working schedules.
Authorities are expected to take further administrative action against officials found responsible for the Gujranwala passport office’s early closure. The Interior Ministry has reiterated that officials must perform their duties responsibly and ensure that public facilities remain operational during officially notified hours.
The development comes as the government continues efforts to improve passport services and strengthen accountability among officials responsible for delivering essential services to the public.
