Mohsin Naqvi orders removal of staff after surprise visit to Gujranwala passport office

ISLAMABAD, Aug 27 (APP): Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi on Thursday paid a surprise visit to the Regional Passport Office in Gujranwala and found the office closed before official closing time, with citizens reportedly being turned away despite office hours still being in effect.

The minister ordered the immediate removal of the staff on duty and directed action over negligence in public service delivery.

During the visit, Mohsin Naqvi observed that the passport office had effectively stopped functioning before the scheduled closing time of 4:30 p.m. Meanwhile, the office premises were being cleaned and preparations for closing had already begun around 4:00 p.m., while citizens seeking passport services were not being allowed to enter.

The minister expressed concern over the situation and questioned why the office had been locked before the official closing time. He noted that members of the public were arriving for services but were being sent back without assistance.

While inspecting the facility, Mohsin Naqvi found that only one staff member was present in the office. According to officials, the employee was unable to answer the minister’s questions regarding the office’s operations, staff presence, and the reasons behind the early closure.

The interior minister said that government offices established for public service must remain operational during their designated working hours. He questioned how citizens could be facilitated if offices were closed before the announced time and staff members were absent from their duties.

Taking immediate notice of the situation, Mohsin Naqvi ordered the removal of the entire staff from their positions and directed the relevant authorities to initiate disciplinary proceedings. He said negligence in the delivery of public services would not be tolerated and that government employees are responsible for ensuring that citizens receive timely assistance.

The minister stressed that public service institutions must operate according to established rules and schedules. He said citizens visit passport offices with expectations of receiving services and should not be forced to return without being attended to.

Mohsin Naqvi further directed the concerned departments to conduct an inquiry into the incident and determine responsibility for the office’s condition and early closure. He said strict action would be taken against officials found guilty of neglecting their duties.