KABUL (SW) – In Kabul city, a surge of frustration is palpable among passport applicants, those who voice discontent with the chaotic and overcrowded conditions at the General Directorate of Passports at the Ministry of Interior. Many highlight the extensive waiting times, stretching into hours, as a major concern.
A majority of passport applicants from various provinces have also resorted to submitting in-person applications at the department. They urge relevant officials to initiate the passport registration process in the provinces as well.
Saifullah and Murtaza, two passport applicants, have reported witnessing tragic incidents where people were trampled and lost their lives amidst large gatherings and disorder.
“People are facing violence. I arrived at 2:00 a.m., and personally witnessed three old men losing their lives due to beatings and chaos,” said Saifullah.
Murtaza also shared his ordeal, recounting multiple instances of being beaten and emphasizing the widespread distress. “I arrived at midnight today and faced endless challenges. Both the people and the government suffer. The situation is chaotic and hazardous. Everyone must go to their provinces.”
Contrary to the reports, Noorullah Patman, the spokesperson for the General Directorate of Passports, refuted claims of elderly individuals losing their lives amid disorder in the queues of passport applicants in Kabul. In an interview with Salaam Watandar, he clarified that in-person registration in Kabul only takes place on Thursdays, with 20,000 face-to-face registration forms distributed one day in every week.
“We have repeatedly given the necessary advice to citizens, and the other day, we also published some notices not to bring old men and their children; their family members can continue their work,” Patman added.
According to officials of the General Department of Passports, 8,000 passports are distributed to applicants in the capital and provinces.
According to officials of the General Department of Passports, 8,000 passports are distributed to applicants in the capital and provinces. The in-person registration process to receive a passport has resumed in Kabul on Wednesday, January 9.
