Summary Pakistan plans full transition to e-passports, with home delivery, cashless payments from July 1, and online applications shifting to the Pak Identity platform
ISLAMABAD (Dunya News) – Pakistan has decided in principle to fully shift passport issuance to e-passports as part of a broader reform drive aimed at modernising immigration services and curbing document fraud.
The decision was taken during a special meeting at the Passport and Immigration Headquarters chaired by Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi. During the session, Director General Passports and Immigration Muhammad Ali Randhawa briefed the minister on key reforms planned for the passport system.
Officials said the complete transition to e-passports is expected to significantly reduce forgery and fraudulent practices linked to travel documents. Mohsin Naqvi said applicants opting for premium services will be charged fees in line with the enhanced service costs.
The meeting was also informed that initial preparations for passport home delivery, both within Pakistan and abroad, have been completed. The service is expected to launch soon, allowing citizens to receive passports at their doorstep.
In another major reform, a cashless payment system will be introduced at passport offices nationwide from July 1, streamlining fee payments and reducing manual processing.
Authorities also decided to migrate online passport applications to the Pak Identity platform to improve digital accessibility and service integration.
The interior minister further directed officials to finalise the policy framework for business passports at the earliest in consultation with the Federal Board of Revenue.
