Pakistan’s Passport Overhaul Could Transform How Millions Travel
News Desk/APP
Islamabad:In a major step toward digitizing public services, Pakistan has decided in principle to replace traditional passports with a fully electronic passport system, while also introducing home delivery and cashless payment facilities to make passport services faster and more convenient for citizens.
The decision was taken during a high-level meeting chaired by Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi at the Passport and Immigration Headquarters in Islamabad.
Officials said the nationwide transition to e-passports is aimed at enhancing document security, reducing fraud and forgery, and bringing Pakistan’s travel documentation system in line with international standards. The move is expected to strengthen the credibility of Pakistani passports while streamlining the application and verification process.
As part of the reform package, the government has finalized preparations for a passport home delivery service within Pakistan and overseas. Once launched, applicants will be able to receive their passports at their doorstep, eliminating the need for a separate visit to passport offices for collection.
The meeting was also informed that all passport offices across the country will adopt a cashless payment system from July 1. Authorities believe the shift will improve transparency, reduce processing delays, and support the government’s broader digital governance agenda.
Another key reform involves integrating online passport applications into the Pak ID platform, creating a unified digital portal for citizens seeking identity and travel documents.
The government also approved a revised fee structure for premium passport services, ensuring that charges reflect the actual cost of providing expedited facilities.
During the meeting, officials reviewed progress on the proposed Business Passport policy, which is intended to facilitate legitimate business travel. Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi directed authorities to finalize the framework in consultation with the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) at the earliest.
Director General Passports and Immigration Muhammad Ali Randhawa briefed the meeting on ongoing reforms and future modernization plans.
The latest initiatives signal the government’s push to transform passport services through technology, making them more secure, efficient, and accessible for millions of Pakistanis at home and abroad.
