Pakistan to shift entirely to e-passports under new reform plan

Pakistan has decided in principle to fully transition to an electronic passport system as part of reforms aimed at improving document security, reducing fraud and modernising passport services.

The decision was taken during a special meeting chaired by Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi at the Passport and Immigration Headquarters in Islamabad.

Officials told the meeting that a complete shift to e-passports would help reduce fraud and forgery linked to travel documents.

Naqvi said the move would strengthen the integrity of Pakistan’s passport system and bring it closer to international standards.

The meeting also approved a new fee structure for premium passport services. Under the revised arrangement, applicants seeking premium services will pay charges based on the actual cost of those services.

Authorities also informed the meeting that preparatory work for home delivery of passports within Pakistan and abroad had been completed.

The service is expected to be launched soon, allowing citizens to receive passports at their doorstep instead of visiting passport offices for collection.

The minister was also told that a cashless payment system would be introduced at passport offices across the country from July 1 as part of the government’s digitisation drive.

Online passport applications will also be shifted to the Pak ID platform to create a more integrated digital process for applicants.

The meeting reviewed progress on the proposed Business Passport policy. Naqvi directed officials to finalise the policy at the earliest in consultation with the Federal Board of Revenue.

Officials said the policy is aimed at facilitating legitimate business travel while ensuring regulatory compliance.

Director General Passports and Immigration Muhammad Ali Randhawa briefed the meeting on ongoing reforms, operational improvements and future plans for the passport and immigration system.

The reforms are part of the government’s plan to improve efficiency, strengthen security and expand access to passport services.