Pakistan announces transition to e-passport in major digital reform

Islamabad (Web Desk): Pakistan has moved a step closer to fully digitizing its passport system, approving in principle a transition to electronic passports as part of a comprehensive reform program aimed at enhancing security, improving service delivery, and making the process more convenient for citizens.

The decision was made during a high-level meeting held at the Directorate General of Immigration and Passports headquarters in Islamabad, chaired by Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi.

During the meeting, officials highlighted that replacing conventional passports with e-passports would help eliminate document fraud and reduce the risk of forgery.

Addressing the participants, Naqvi said that the initiative would strengthen the credibility of Pakistan’s travel documents and bring the country's passport system in line with modern international practices.

The meeting also endorsed a revised pricing framework for premium passport services. Under the new arrangement, applicants choosing expedited facilities will be charged according to the actual expenses involved in providing those services.

Officials further informed the minister that preparations for a passport home-delivery service have been finalized for citizens both inside Pakistan and overseas.

Once launched, the facility will allow applicants to receive their passports directly at their homes, removing the need for a separate visit to passport offices for collection.

As part of broader digital reforms, passport offices across the country will begin operating under a cashless payment system from July 1. The move is expected to improve transparency, streamline transactions, and reduce reliance on manual payment methods.

The meeting was also told that online passport applications will soon be integrated into the Pak ID platform, creating a unified digital portal designed to make the application process faster and more efficient.

Participants reviewed progress on the proposed Business Passport initiative as well. Mohsin Naqvi instructed officials to complete the policy framework without delay in coordination with the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR), stressing the importance of facilitating genuine business travelers while maintaining regulatory safeguards.

Director General Immigration and Passports Muhammad Ali Randhawa briefed the meeting on the reforms currently underway, operational advancements achieved so far, and future plans aimed at further improving passport and immigration services.

As per the ministry, the latest decisions are part of the government's wider effort to modernize public services through digital technology, increase efficiency, and provide citizens with secure, accessible, and faster passport-related facilities.