Summary Pakistan is transitioning fully to e-passports, with the government citing improved security and reduced forgery risks. Existing machine-readable passports remain valid until expiry.
ISLAMABAD (Dunya News) – The government has decided to discontinue the issuance of machine-readable passports and introduce electronic passports (e-passports) nationwide, with implementation expected within a month.
According to media reports, the Ministry of Interior informed the National Assembly that machine-readable passports would no longer be issued within a month. After the transition, only e-passports would be issued at passport offices across the country and Pakistani embassies abroad. However, existing machine-readable passports will remain valid until their expiry dates.
Responding to a question by Member of the National Assembly Malik Shakir Bashir Awan during the question hour, Minister of State for Parliamentary Affairs Dr Tariq Fazal Chaudhry said Pakistan was moving towards e-passports in line with technological changes in the global immigration system.
He said the electronic chip embedded in the new passports would help prevent forgery, adding that the government was making efforts to introduce the system as soon as possible.
Dr Tariq Fazal Chaudhry explained that the country's large population and administrative challenges faced by passport offices could cause some delays in the project. However, he said the government remained committed to launching the system within a month.
It was also agreed in the National Assembly that modernising the existing passport system was necessary in view of international travel requirements. The chip in e-passports will help verify travellers' identities and travel information.
