New Regional Passport Office Timings in Pakistan for 2026
Quick Summary
- What Happened: The Ministry of Interior & Narcotics Control and Directorate General of Immigration & Passports (DGI&P) officially launched a 2-shift operational schedule for 8 major Regional Passport Offices (RPOs) across Pakistan starting August 20, 2026.
- New Operating Hours: Morning Shift runs from 08:00 AM to 04:00 PM, and the newly added Evening Shift runs from 04:00 PM to 12:00 Midnight (Monday to Friday).
- Selected 8 Cities: Faisalabad, Gujranwala, Multan, Bahawalpur, Peshawar, Rawalpindi, Hyderabad, and Quetta.
- Key Benefit: Applicants can now whole biometric capture, photo submission, and interviews after regular office hours without taking leave from task or standing in 6:00 AM morning queues.
- Fee & Processing: Standard fees apply with zero extra charges for evening visits; payment is processed directly via the Passport Fee Asaan app, 1Link, or designated bank channels.
Under official notification No. 17/06/2024-Admn-II issued by the Directorate General of Immigration & Passports on August 20, 2026, eight Regional Passport Offices in Pakistan now operate in two continuous shifts from 08:00 AM to 12:00 Midnight (Monday to Friday). The morning shift runs 08:00 AM to 04:00 PM, and the evening shift operates 04:00 PM to 12:00 Midnight to eliminate long queues and streamline passport applications.
If you have ever had to renew a Pakistani passport or apply for a fresh one during the peak summer rush, you already understand the drill. You wake up at 5:30 AM, reach the regional passport office before sunrise, stand in a line that wraps around the block, and pray that the token counter does not end before you step inside.
Ultimate period of weeks, I visited the Regional Passport Office in Multan to renew my Machine Readable Passport (MRP). By 9:15 AM, the token machine had run out of morning quota slots, the hall was packed shoulder-to-shoulder, and people who had traveled from nearby tehsils were told to come back the next day.
That frustrating bottleneck is finally being resolved.
The Government of Pakistan, through the Directorate General of Immigration and Passports (Headquarters), Islamabad, has issued an official notification operationalizing a double-shift setup up to 12:00 midnight at eight high-volume Regional Passport Offices across Punjab, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Sindh, and Balochistan.
Here is an exhaustive, actual-globe breakdown of what this notification means for you, how the modern evening shift works, what documents you need, and how to acquire your passport processed smoothly without wasting hours in unnecessary lines.
What Are the New Regional Passport Office Timings in Pakistan for 2026?
Under notification No. 17/06/2024-Admn-II signed by Assistant Director (Admin-II) Tosif Zia, the Ministry of Interior directed that eight selected Regional Passport Offices will serve applicants across two dedicated operational shifts from Monday to Friday.
| Shift Detail | Working Hours | Working Days | Best Time to Visit |
|---|---|---|---|
| Morning Shift | 08:00 AM to 04:00 PM | Monday to Friday | 08:00 AM – 10:30 AM |
| Evening Shift | 04:00 PM to 12:00 Midnight | Monday to Friday | 06:30 PM – 09:30 PM |
| Weekend Status | Closed (Maintenance & Printing) | Saturday & Sunday | Not Applicable |
This doubles the daily operational processing capacity of each designated regional office from 8 hours to 16 hours every single weekday.
Which 8 Regional Passport Offices Are Open Until 12:00 Midnight?
The administration did not roll out this facility across every little executive desk initially. Instead, they targeted the eight busiest industrial and regional hubs where daily footfall consistently overwhelmed morning staff.
Here are the particular eight Regional Passport Offices operational under the two-shift midnight schedule:
- Regional Passport Office Faisalabad (Serving Faisalabad Division, textile professionals, and overseas workers)
- Regional Passport Office Gujranwala (Serving Gujranwala, Sialkot-belt commuters, and industrial workforce)
- Regional Passport Office Multan (Serving Southern Punjab applicants, students, and overseas pilgrims)
- Regional Passport Office Bahawalpur (Covering Bahawalpur, Lodhran, and surrounding regional districts)
- Regional Passport Office Peshawar (Handling massive daily volumes across Khyber Pakhtunkhwa)
- Regional Passport Office Rawalpindi (Serving the twin cities, Northern Punjab, and Azad Jammu & Kashmir commuters)
- Regional Passport Office Hyderabad (Serving interior and lower Sindh applicants)
- Regional Passport Office Quetta (Handling provincial capital demand and regional Balochistan applicants)
If your local office is in one of these eight cities, you no longer want to restrict your visit to early morning hours.
Why Did the Ministry of Interior Introduce the Midnight Shift?
The decision to extend working hours to midnight was triggered by three massive systemic challenges:
- Massive Token Queues: Applicants frequently started lining up outside passport offices at 5:00 AM just to secure a token before the morning cut-off limit.
- Working Professionals & Students: Salaried employees, school teachers, and university students had to take full-day leaves or miss exams simply to submit their biometrics.
- Hajj, Umrah, and Overseas Employment Rush: Seasonal surges for pilgrims and skilled workers traveling to the Gulf region repeatedly overwhelmed regular daytime counters.
By splitting the workload across two full shifts, applicant traffic is divided evenly throughout the day, significantly cutting down waiting room congestion.
How Does the Evening Shift (04:00 PM to 12:00 Midnight) Work in Practice?
A usual query persons ask is whether the evening shift offers full processing or just basic document collection.
The evening shift functions as a fully staffed, mirror image of the morning shift. Every single processing stage is active:
- Information & Screening Desk: Verification of original CNIC, previous passport, and fee payment receipts.
- Token Issuance Counter: Automated token generation tagged specifically to evening processing logs.
- Biometric Capture Stations: Digital fingerprint scanning and live facial photograph capture.
- Data Entry & Correction Desks: Verification of personal details, spelling, mother’s name, and professional designations against the NADRA database.
- Assistant Director (AD) Interview: Final file scrutiny, verification, and digital sign-off.
- Delivery Tracking Slip Generation: Receipt printing with an official 11-digit tracking code.
What Documents Do You Need Before Visiting the Passport Office?
One of the biggest mistakes that forces applicants to return home empty-handed is carrying photocopies without mandatory originals or forgetting to update their marital or professional status with the National Database and Registration Authority (NADRA).
Create sure you have the exact required documents based on your applicant category:
For Adult Applicants (18 Years and Above)
- Original Computerized National Identity Card (CNIC) or Smart National Identity Card (SNIC). National Identity Cards for Overseas Pakistanis (NICOP) are furthermore valid.
- Two photocopies of your CNIC / SNIC (keep them handy even though offices primarily inspect originals).
- Previous Original Passport (if you are renewing an existing passport or upgrading from an expired booklet).
- Photocopy of the first two pages of your old passport.
- Proof of Fee Payment: Physical bank challan receipt or the digital PSID payment SMS / printed receipt generated via the official fee portal.
- Departmental Permission / NOC (For Government Employees): If you are employed in a administration department, an official No Objection Certificate (NOC) signed by your controlling authority is strictly required. Applicants from educational or authority institutions can stay updated on documentation rules via the Schools STI Portal Pakistan.
For Minor Applicants (Under 18 Years of Age)
- Original Computerized Child Registration Certificate (CRC / B-Form) issued by NADRA.
- Original CNICs of both parents (both parents should ideally accompany the child; if one parent is abroad, an attested authorization letter or valid visa copy is required).
- Minor’s previous original passport (in renewal cases).
- Guardian Certificate issued by a competent court of law in case of legal guardianship.
For Lost Passport Cases
- Original Police Report (Roznamcha / FIR) mentioning the lost passport number, filed at the police station in whose jurisdiction the booklet was lost.
- Original CNIC / Smart Card.
- Double fee payment receipt (as mandated by DGI&P rules for initial-time loss).
Step-by-Step Guide: How to Pay Your Passport Fee Online via Passport Fee Asaan
You do not want to stand in long National Bank of Pakistan (NBP) queues to pay your passport challan. The Directorate General of Immigration & Passports provides a digital payment gateway that creates a 17-digit PSID valid across all banking apps, 1Link ATMs, EasyPaisa, and JazzCash.
Step 1: Download the "Passport Fee Asaan" App from Google Play Store or visit the DGI&P Fee Portal.
Step 2: Select "Passport Fee Payment" and select between Fresh Passport, Renewal, or Lost/Damaged Passport.
Step 3: Select your booklet size (36 Pages, 72 Pages, or 100 Pages) and validity period (5 Years or 10 Years).
Step 4: Select your processing category (Normal, Urgent, or Fast Track).
Step 5: Enter your nearest Regional Passport Office, CNIC number, full name, and active email/phone number.
Step 6: Generate your unique 17-digit PSID challan number.
Step 7: Open your bank app (HBL, Meezan, Alfalah, EasyPaisa, JazzCash, etc.), go to 1Bill / Bill Payment, enter the PSID, and complete the transaction.
Step 8: Save the transaction SMS and print the digital payment confirmation slip to bring to the counter.
Official Passport Fee Structure in Pakistan (Updated Rates)
Before visiting the office in the morning or evening shift, ensure you have generated the challan for the accurate page count and processing speed:
| Booklet Type & Validity | Normal Processing (PKR) | Urgent Processing (PKR) | Fast Track Processing (PKR) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 36 Pages (5 Years Validity) | Rs. 4,500 | Rs. 7,500 | Rs. 12,500 |
| 36 Pages (10 Years Validity) | Rs. 6,700 | Rs. 11,200 | Rs. 16,200 |
| 72 Pages (5 Years Validity) | Rs. 8,200 | Rs. 13,500 | Rs. 18,500 |
| 72 Pages (10 Years Validity) | Rs. 12,400 | Rs. 20,200 | Rs. 25,200 |
| 100 Pages (5 Years Validity) | Rs. 9,000 | Rs. 18,000 | Rs. 23,000 |
| 100 Pages (10 Years Validity) | Rs. 13,500 | Rs. 27,000 | Rs. 32,000 |
Note: Delivery times generally average 10–15 working days for Normal, 5–7 working days for Urgent, and 2–3 working days for Fast Track, depending on national printing queue loads at headquarters in Islamabad.
What Real-Life Mistakes Should You Avoid at the Passport Office?
Having guided multiple colleagues and family members through the physical application process, I have documented the most frequent pitfalls that cause unnecessary rejections or delays:
1. Reaching Right at the 04:00 PM Shift Changeover
The morning shift officially ends at 04:00 PM and the evening staff logs in at the same moment. Arriving between 03:45 PM and 04:15 PM frequently means getting caught in staff handover briefings, computer terminal re-logins, and system roll-overs. The smoothest window for the evening shift is between 06:30 PM and 09:30 PM.
2. Name or Father’s Name Spelling Mismatch
The passport structure pulls live biographical data directly from NADRA’s centralized servers. If your CNIC has an updated spelling but your aged matriculation certificate or previous passport has a legacy spelling, the Assistant Director’s computer will flag an anomaly. Always ensure your CNIC data matches your educational records before initiating the passport application.
3. Wearing White or Very Light Clothing
Passport photos are taken against a standard white background inside the digital booth. If you wear a plain white shirt, kameez, or scarf, your shoulders will blend into the background, causing the automated camera software to reject the photo capture. Invariably wear dark or contrasting colors (Navy Blue, Charcoal, Black, Dark Brown, or Maroon).
4. Not Bringing Original Expired Passports
Many people assume that if their previous passport expired five or ten years ago, they do not want to bring it along. This is incorrect. The screening officer must physically stamp “CANCELLED” on your expired booklet before authorizing a fresh one. If you fail to bring it, your case might be treated as a “Lost Passport”, which requires police verification and double fees.
5. Paying the Wrong Fee Category for Dual Nationals
If you hold foreign nationality or a NICOP, ensure your fee category matches your national documentation. Attempting to method a standard domestic fee when your national identity is recorded under an overseas status will lead to processing holds at the counter.
Morning Shift vs. Evening Shift: Which One Is Right for You?
Choosing between visiting at 09:00 AM or 07:00 PM depends on your schedule and personal situation:
+-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------+
| SHIFT COMPARISON OVERVIEW |
+-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------+
| Criteria | Morning Shift (8 AM - 4 PM) | Evening Shift (4 PM - 12 AM)|
+--------------------------+-----------------------------+--------------------------+
| Rush Hours | 08:00 AM - 11:30 AM | 04:30 PM - 06:00 PM |
| Waiting Time | Typically 1.5 to 3 Hours | Typically 45 to 90 Mins |
| Ideal For | Housewives, Senior Citizens | Job Holders, Students, |
| | & Remote Travelers | Business Owners |
| Temperature/Comfort | High Heat in Summer Days | Cooler Evening Climate |
| Public Transport Access | High Frequency Buses/Vans | Lower After 10:00 PM |
+-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------+
If you are a working professional or business owner who cannot afford to leave your office during standard banking hours, the evening shift provides a streamlined experience with noticeably shorter processing lines.
How to Track Your Passport Status After Submitting Your Application
Once you finish your interview with the Assistant Director, you will be handed an official printed token receipt containing your tracking ID.
To monitor your application as it moves from regional processing to printing and dispatch:
- SMS Tracking Service: Send your 11-digit Token Number via SMS to 9988. You will get an instant automated reply showing your current file status (e.g., Under Review, Sent for Printing, Dispatched, or Ready for Collection).
- Online Portal Tracking: Visit the Directorate General of Immigration & Passports Tracking System and enter your tracking token number and regional branch location.
- Delivery Collection: Collect your passport from the identical regional branch during working hours by presenting your original token slip and original CNIC.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Are all passport offices across Pakistan unrestricted until 12:00 midnight?
No. The midnight operational schedule (two shifts) is strictly active at eight designated Regional Passport Offices: Faisalabad, Gujranwala, Multan, Bahawalpur, Peshawar, Rawalpindi, Hyderabad, and Quetta. Other smaller district passport offices continue to operate under standard single-shift morning timings (08:00 AM to 04:00 PM).
Is there any additional fee or surcharge for visiting during the evening shift?
No. The fee structure is 100% identical for both morning and evening shifts. The government does not charge any extra fee or after-hours service cost for processing your passport between 04:00 PM and 12:00 Midnight.
Can I apply for an urgent or fast-track passport in the evening shift?
Yes. All service tiers—including Normal, Urgent, and Fast-Track categories—are processed during the evening shift across all 8 designated regional offices.
Are passport offices unrestricted on Saturday or Sunday night?
No. The official operational order specifically designates Monday to Friday for both morning and evening shifts. Regional Passport Offices remain closed to the general open on Saturdays and Sundays for setup maintenance, backlog synchronization, and logistics dispatch.
What happens if I get a token at 11:30 PM?
If you enter the building and secure an official computerized token before the counter cutoff at 12:00 Midnight, the on-duty staff is required to entire your biometrics, photo capture, and interview before closing the station.
Can government employees apply during the evening shift without an NOC?
No. Regardless of whether you visit in the morning or at night, administration employees must provide an official No Objection Certificate (NOC) from their respective department head as mandated by federal service rules.
Practical Checklist Before You Leave for the Passport Office
Before heading out the door, run through this speedy checklist to guarantee a smooth visit:
- Original CNIC / Smart Card / NICOP is in your wallet (not a photocopy).
- Original expired or previous passport is packed (if renewing).
- Online PSID payment receipt / SMS confirmation is ready.
- Wearing a dark-colored shirt/kameez for a clear photo against the white screen.
- All spelling details on CNIC match your academic and birth records.
- Arriving during the optimal evening window (06:30 PM to 09:30 PM) for minimal wait time.
Ready to Apply for Your Passport?
You can calculate your exact fee, generate your digital challan, or track an existing passport application directly through the official authority portal:
Apply & Generate Passport Challan Online
References & Official Sources
- Directorate General of Immigration & Passports (DGI&P) Official Portal
- Ministry of Interior & Narcotics Control, Government of Pakistan
- National Database & Registration Authority (NADRA) Official Services
- Official Notification No. 17/06/2024-Admn-II: Operationalization of Two Shifts at Regional Passport Offices
Author Bio:
Majid Farooq is an experienced tech blogger, web developer, and educational substance researcher based in Punjab, Pakistan. With a professional background in general education infrastructure and digital utility development, he writes practical, hands-on guides simplifying citizen services, digital portals, authority documentation procedures, and online web systems.
Last Updated: August 21, 2026
ملک کے 8 بڑے علاقائی پاسپورٹ دفاتر میں ڈبل شفٹ شروع کر دی گئی دفاتر اب رات 12 بجے تک کھلے رہیں گےڈبل شفٹ پالیسی کا اطلاق 20 اگست سے ہوچکا ہے صبح 8 تا شام 4 بجے اور شام 4 تا رات 12 بجے ہوں گے۔
