Pakistan decides in principle to fully shift to e-passports

“Pakistan has decided in principle to transition entirely to an electronic passport system as part of a sweeping package of reforms aimed at modernising passport services, improving security, and enhancing public convenience. The decision was taken during a special meeting chaired by Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi at the Passport and Immigration Headquarters in Islamabad. Officials said the complete shift to e-passports would significantly reduce fraud and forgery associated with travel documents. “The move will strengthen the integrity of Pakistan’s passport system and align it with international standards,” Naqvi said, addressing the meeting. The meeting also approved a new fee structure under which applicants seeking premium passport services will be required to pay charges commensurate with the actual cost of those services. In another citizen-friendly initiative, authorities announced that preparatory work for home delivery of passports, both within Pakistan and abroad, has been completed. The service is expected to be launched soon, enabling citizens to receive passports at their doorstep without visiting passport offices for collection. The minister was informed that a cashless payment system will be introduced in passport offices nationwide from July 1, marking a significant step toward digitisation and transparency in public service delivery. As part of the modernisation drive, online passport applications will also be migrated to the Pak ID platform, creating a more integrated and efficient digital process for applicants. The meeting further reviewed progress on the proposed Business Passport policy. The interior minister directed officials to finalise the policy at the earliest in consultation with the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR), underscoring the government’s intent to facilitate legitimate business travel while ensuring regulatory compliance. During the session, Director General of Passports and Immigration Muhammad Ali Randhawa provided a detailed briefing on ongoing reforms, operational improvements, and future plans for the passport and immigration system. The latest measures reflect the government’s broader push to digitise public services, improve efficiency, and provide citizens with faster, more secure, and more accessible passport facilities.

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