President Hyderabad Chamber of Small Traders & Small Industry, Muhammad Saleem Memon

Hyderabad : President Hyderabad Chamber of Small Traders & Small Industry, Muhammad Saleem
Memon, expressed strong displeasure over the extraordinary delays in passport printing and delivery, calling
it unacceptable for a country with a population of 250 million to struggle with the basic task of issuing just 50,000 passports per day.
He highlighted that the delays in passport printing and untimely delivery are causing severe difficulties for
the business community, especially those intending to participate in international exhibitions. These
exhibitions serve as crucial opportunities to promote Pakistani products, secure trade agreements, and attract
foreign investments. Traders and small business owners, already grappling with economic challenges, are
being deprived of these vital opportunities to expand their global footprint. This delay not only hampers
individual growth but also undermines efforts to boost Pakistan's exports and strengthen its economy.
Timely issuance of passports is essential to ensure that the business community can represent Pakistan on
international platforms, contributing to trade growth and foreign exchange earnings, ultimately aiding in the
country’s economic recovery.
Referring to complaints from Chamber members, Saleem Memon pointed out that many passports, which
were scheduled for delivery in September 2024, remain undelivered even in January 2025.
The Chamber President also criticized the inefficiency of the system despite the government’s claims of
installing advanced printing machines. He noted that while the government announced that the new
machines had increased daily printing capacity from 22,000 to 44,000 passports, the ground reality shows
that this capacity is still inadequate to meet demand.
He further emphasized that this negligence has portrayed Pakistan as an unorganized and unserious nation
on the global stage, unable to fulfill even the basic needs of its citizens. He pointed out that a significant
number of young Pakistanis are being forced to seek better job opportunities abroad. Over the past five
years, approximately 3.275 million Pakistanis have left the country, including 900,000 in 2023 alone,
marking the second-highest annual exodus since 1971. This alarming trend reflects the limited job and
business opportunities in the country, compelling the youth to look elsewhere for a brighter future.
Muhammad Saleem Memon strongly criticized the government for its poor planning and policy failures,
which have not only disappointed the youth but also caused the country to lose its talented individuals. He
noted that the growing demand for passports reflects the dire state of opportunities in Pakistan, where the
government has failed to create a conducive environment for growth.
He urged the government to take immediate and effective steps to address these challenges. The passport
issuance system must be improved, alongside the creation of employment opportunities and a business-
friendly environment, to prevent the youth from leaving the country. Saleem Memon concluded by stating
that it is imperative for the government to recognize its responsibility and provide a future where Pakistan’s
youth can thrive within their homeland.