Pakistan approves full transition to e-passports

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan has decided in principle to move completely to an electronic passport system as part of a broader reform plan aimed at updating passport services, tightening document security and making the process easier for citizens.

The decision was taken at a special meeting held at the Passport and Immigration Headquarters in Islamabad and chaired by Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi. Officials told the meeting that a full shift to e-passports would help curb fraud and forgery linked to travel documents.

Addressing the meeting, Naqvi said the planned transition would improve the credibility of the country’s passport regime and bring it in line with global benchmarks. “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 revised fee structure for premium passport services. Under the new arrangement, applicants seeking such services will pay charges based on the actual cost involved.

Home delivery and digital payments

Authorities also announced that preparatory work has been completed for the launch of passport home delivery services inside Pakistan as well as overseas. The service is expected to begin soon and will allow applicants to receive their passports at their doorstep instead of visiting passport offices to collect them.

Officials informed the interior minister that a cashless payment system would be rolled out at passport offices across the country from July 1. The measure is part of the government’s wider push toward digitisation and greater transparency in public services.

As part of the same reform effort, online passport applications will be shifted to the Pak ID platform to create a more unified and efficient digital process for applicants.

Business Passport policy under review

The meeting also reviewed progress on the proposed Business Passport policy. Naqvi directed the relevant authorities to complete the policy at the earliest in consultation with the Federal Board of Revenue, indicating the government’s intention to facilitate genuine business travel while maintaining regulatory requirements.

During the session, Director General of Passports and Immigration Muhammad Ali Randhawa gave a detailed briefing on reforms already under way, operational improvements and future plans related to the passport and immigration system.

The latest steps form part of the government’s broader effort to digitise public services, improve efficiency and provide faster, more secure and more accessible passport facilities to citizens.