Proposed revamp may divert Rs 70 billion from federal revenue
ISLAMABAD: The federal government is moving forward with plans to establish an autonomous Immigration, Passport, and Visa Authority, a move that could divert over Rs 70 billion annually from the Ministry of Interior’s revenue.
Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi recently announced the initiative, claiming it will resolve the long-standing issues plaguing the Directorate General of Immigration and Passport.
As per documents the current directorate is overwhelmed by outdated infrastructure, insufficient funding, and operational bottlenecks. The new authority will address these issues and provide citizens with efficient, modernized services.”
Revenue Impact Raises Concerns
The proposal, under the draft “Pakistan Immigration, Passport, and Visa Authority Act 2024,” envisions the authority managing its finances independently, a shift that has sparked concerns among financial stakeholders. The Finance Division and other departments, reportedly caught off guard by the plan, are analyzing the potential implications on federal revenues.
A Struggling Directorate
The Directorate General of Immigration and Passport, which currently handles sensitive national security services, is buckling under the weight of its expanded responsibilities. Initially designed in 2004 for 28 regional offices and 10 overseas missions, the directorate now serves 223 domestic offices and 93 international missions, stretching its resources thin.
Scandals involving passport forgeries and delayed service delivery have further tarnished Pakistan’s global reputation. Funding delays have also hampered the procurement of essential materials and technology upgrades. According to the Ministry of Interior, these challenges can only be addressed through an independent authority with financial and administrative autonomy.
Modernization Plan Highlights
The proposed authority aims to revolutionize the system with cutting-edge technology and enhanced security measures. Key features include:
– Upgraded production facilities to meet growing demands.
– Disaster recovery infrastructure at GHQ for national resilience.
– A centralized dashboard for real-time monitoring and data management.
– Strengthened networking, databases, and software systems for seamless operations.
Additionally, the authority will prepare annual financial statements for government review, with audits conducted by chartered accountants in collaboration with the Auditor General of Pakistan.
Fast-Tracked Implementation
According to sources, the Interior Ministry is expediting the establishment of the authority, with a series of meetings held, the most recent on July 10, 2024. Minister Naqvi emphasized the urgency of the matter, stating: “We cannot afford further delays. The new authority will not only streamline operations but also restore the confidence of the public and international stakeholders in Pakistan’s immigration and passport system.”
While the initiative promises modernization and efficiency, critics caution that the financial autonomy of the proposed authority may disrupt federal revenue streams. With billions at stake and public expectations high, the success of this ambitious overhaul remains to be seen.
