The federal government reduced the passport issuance period on Thursday and decided to implement a cashless system in the passport office.

In a high-level meeting chaired by Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi and Minister of State Talal Chaudhry, the government approved major reforms aimed at improving public convenience in the passport issuance system on Thursday.

Naqvi announced that the delivery period for normal passports, previously 21 days, has now been reduced to 14 days. He said the move is part of a broader effort to modernise and streamline passport services across the country.

The minister further stated that a fully cashless system will be implemented across all passport offices, eliminating cash payments.

He assigned a 15-day deadline for the complete transition to this system. “Ending cash payments will eradicate the agent mafia and provide greater ease to citizens,” he added.

The meeting also reviewed progress on the proposed Business Passport category, with the interior minister directing officials to finalise its issuance mechanism at the earliest.

Additionally, the government decided to make the home-delivery system for passports more efficient, ensuring doorstep delivery becomes smoother and more accessible.

The interior minister emphasised that the establishment of a dedicated Passport Authority is essential for strengthening the passport system and enhancing public service delivery.

During the briefing, officials confirmed that normal passports—which previously required 21 days for delivery—will now be issued within 14 days.

The meeting was attended by the Interior Secretary, the Director General of the Directorate General of Immigration & Passports, and other relevant officials.

After decades of car chases, crime thrillers and casino capers, John Travolta may finally be ready to trade the action hero life for something a little softer – and a lot flirtier.

Nearly 50 years after Grease turned him into Hollywood’s ultimate heartthrob, the 72-year-old star is reportedly hunting for the perfect romantic comedy comeback.

And according to insiders, there’s one woman at the top of the wish list: Sandra Bullock.

“John’s had such a long run in action and drama, that’s been his bread and butter,” a source told Closer magazine. 

“But the truth is he’s actually more of a rom-com guy, those are the movies he loves watching, and he wants to try making one before it’s too late.”

Hollywood apparently agrees. While names like Jennifer Aniston, Julia Roberts and Meg Ryan have floated around, insiders claim Sandra is the “dream pick.”

And honestly? Danny Zuko flirting with the queen of rom-coms sounds like the kind of movie people would absolutely stream on a rainy Sunday.

“They haven’t worked together before, but they have a fantastic rapport, and people think they’d work really well as an on-screen couple,” the insider said. “Of course, people in his world are also secretly hoping that something more might spark between them once they start working together.”

The pair have crossed paths for years in Hollywood circles and famously shared a playful moment onstage at the Oscars. They also reportedly share mutual friends, including Nicole Kidman.

Behind the scenes, friends believe their connection goes deeper than Hollywood small talk. Both stars know devastating loss – John lost wife Kelly Preston in 2020 after her battle with breast cancer, while Sandra mourned longtime partner Brian Randall following his ALS battle.

“They share the same painful history of losing their soul mates far too soon,” the source said. “Sandra’s still grieving Brian intensely, and there’s no doubt John misses Kelly every day too.”

For now, there’s no romance – and maybe no rom-com yet either.

But insiders say if the right script lands on both their desks, Hollywood could get its next unexpected dream pairing.

Queen Camilla sat down for a surprise interview with former US President George W Bush’s daughter, Jenna Bush Hager, who’s a renowned journalist.

The Queen, 78, made a stunning confession in chat with Jenna during her visit to the New York Public Library on Wednesday.

The conversation, recorded on day three of the King Chares and Camilla’s State Visit to America, focused on the Queen’s dedication to promoting literacy and her experiences during the trip.

The Queen reportedly spoke of her reading habbits, nature and personal choices during the chat.

NBC’s TODAY programme announced the interview on Instagram, stating: “In a TODAY exclusive, Jenna Bush Hager spoke to Her Majesty Queen Camilla about her visit to the U.S. and the Queen’s passion for reading.”

Vicki Perrin, who serves as Chief Executive Officer of the organisation, also accompanied the journalis at the library event.

The reception attracted impressive gathering of literary and cultural figures, with approximately 100 guests from the publishing world in attendance.

Among those present were Vogue editor Anna Wintour, author Harlan Coben, and actress Sarah Jessica Parker, herself a prominent advocate for reading initiatives.

Parker remarked: “Every time you shine a spotlight on reading and the relationship between a reader and a book and how it changes lives and enriches lives and cultivates empathy and curiosity, I’m so grateful.”

The Queen was all excited as she presented a special gift to the institution’s famous collection of Winnie the Pooh teddy bears, which originally belonged to author A.A. Milne’s son.

She donated a replacement Roo doll, crafted by British toymaker Merrythought, as the original character has been missing from the collection for some time.