Govt to issue free passports to residents of THESE areas

CHAMAN: To help residents of bordering areas with Afghanistan in Chaman, 5000 locals have been issued free passports by the government of Pakistan as part of the initiative implemented recently.

The program focuses on the poor who have suffered as a result of the one-document system, which is that one must have travel documents to cross the border.

Quetta Commissioner Hamza Shafqaat, FC Chaman Commandant Brigadier Shakeel Ahmed, and Deputy Commissioner Habib Ahmad Bangalzai launched the program.

As for this specific program, passport fees for qualified citizens will be paid by the government. Clarifying this concern, Brigadier Shakeel pointed out that the desire of the government is for all residents of the area to have passports, particularly those who are unable to purchase them.

Free visas would also be issued to poor people the passports are issued to, he added. Moreover, Rs. 900 million has also been allocated by the government to help the poor people living in Chaman from the Benazir Income Support Programme.

The decision to implement passport controls at the Chaman border was reached thanks to growing incidents of cross-border difficulties, therefore increasing the importance of this area as an international frontier.

In addition, measures are being put in place for the operation of the Chaman master plan, which is anticipated to generate jobs. This shows the dedication of the government in addressing the needs of the people of Chaman as well as the need for the region’s development.