What the government decided and who will lead the reforms
The federal government has decided to digitise Pakistan’s passport and immigration system, with a plan to move toward a fully paperless framework. The decision follows the appointment of Chaudhry Muhammad Ali Randhawa, an ex‑Chief Commissioner Islamabad, as Director General of Immigration and Passports.
An official notification issued by the Establishment Division says Randhawa, a BS‑20 officer of the Pakistan Administrative Service (PAS), has been posted as DG under the Interior and Narcotics Control Division with immediate effect. After the appointment, Federal Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi directed the new DG to introduce sweeping reforms focused on digitisation across the country.
In practical terms, this is a leadership-driven reform push. The key signal is that digitisation is being framed as a priority task for the new DG, not a long-term “nice to have.” The outcome will depend on implementation speed, funding, and whether systems are integrated across passport offices and immigration points.
What ‘fully paperless’ could mean for passport and immigration services
Officials say the government plans to convert the existing framework into a fully paperless system to improve efficiency, reduce processing delays, and enhance public service delivery. A paperless model typically means fewer physical forms, less manual file movement, and more steps completed through verified digital workflows.
For citizens, the benefits can be clear if done correctly:
– Online applications with fewer in-person visits
– Faster processing through automated checks and digital records
– Better tracking, so applicants can see where their case is stuck
– Reduced reliance on agents and middlemen because the process becomes simpler
For the government, digitisation can improve transparency and reduce discretionary handling. When steps are logged digitally, it becomes harder for files to “disappear,” and easier to audit delays and bottlenecks. It can also improve data accuracy and reduce duplication across offices.
However, “paperless” only works when digital identity verification, document upload standards, and payment systems are stable. If portals crash or verification is weak, the process can become frustrating. The goal should be a system that is simpler than paper, not just paper moved onto a screen.
Why this reform matters: delays, transparency, and public convenience
Passport delays and inconsistent service have been common complaints, especially when demand spikes or capacity constraints appear. The government is framing digitisation as a way to reduce processing time and improve public convenience as the central objective.
A digital system can reduce delays in two ways. First, it can cut unnecessary steps and remove manual movement of files between counters. Second, it can allow better workload management, where applications are routed, tracked, and processed more evenly rather than piling up in one place.
Transparency is another major factor. When citizens can track their application status and receive clear updates, trust improves. A paper-based environment can create uncertainty, and uncertainty fuels a market for “speed promises” by agents. Digitisation, if designed well, can reduce that space.
For overseas Pakistanis, a stronger online passport system can be especially useful. Faster online steps and clearer tracking can reduce reliance on travel and repeated visits. If the reforms include improved appointment booking, biometric scheduling, and better helpline support, the impact can be wide.
Administrative reshuffle: Randhawa’s move and new Islamabad chief commissioner
The decision also sits within a wider administrative reshuffle in the federal capital. Randhawa had earlier been removed from Islamabad’s top administrative post and asked to report to the Establishment Division before receiving his new assignment as DG Immigration and Passports.
In the same reshuffle, Lt. (Retd.) Sohail Ashraf was appointed as the new Chief Commissioner Islamabad. He is also described as a Grade‑20 PAS officer and previously served as Secretary Communications and Works in the Punjab government, along with field roles as Deputy Commissioner Faisalabad and Deputy Commissioner Mandi Bahauddin.
These details matter mainly because large public-sector digitisation efforts need administrative support and coordination. A reshuffle can disrupt continuity, but it can also be used to reset priorities. The public will judge this move less by who holds which post and more by whether service delivery improves at passport offices and immigration counters.
What to watch next: practical changes citizens should expect
The announcement sets direction, but the next steps will show whether the reform is real and measurable. Citizens should watch for practical changes such as:
– A clearer online application workflow with fewer visits
– Improved online appointment booking and queue management
– Faster verification steps and fewer repeated document requests
– Digital payment integration with clear receipts
– More consistent processing timelines across cities
It will also be important to see how the system handles edge cases, such as lost passports, urgent travel, name corrections, and overseas applications. These are the areas where delays and confusion are most common.
If the government delivers a stable portal, verified digital identity checks, and transparent tracking, moving to a paperless passport and immigration system could be one of the most useful public service reforms in Pakistan. If not, citizens may see a partial digitisation that still forces them into manual steps. The real test will be whether processing time and predictability improve within months, not years.
