Pakistan has started issuing electronic passports (e-passports) across the country and at Pakistani diplomatic missions abroad, with all new passports issued in electronic format under the new system.
According to the Directorate General of Immigration and Passports, the initiative was completed by the passport directorate’s team under the vision of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and the directions of Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi.
Director General of Immigration and Passports Muhammad Ali Randhawa said the e-passport features advanced security technology and is designed to improve the security and identification processes of travel documents in line with international standards.
He clarified that machine-readable passports issued previously will remain valid until their expiry dates. However, all new passports and renewals issued from October 23 will be in electronic format.
In a video message, Randhawa described the launch as a significant step towards modernising Pakistan’s passport services and providing citizens at home and abroad with advanced travel documents.
