On Wednesday, a high level meeting reviewed plans to introduce a fully cashless system for passport fee payments in Pakistan. This important meeting was chaired by Director General of Immigration and Passports Muhammad Ali Randhawa.
The meeting was held at the Passport Headquarters and attended by representatives from the National Bank of Pakistan (NBP), JazzCash, Easypaisa, and other financial and fintech institutions.
Officials discussed ways to make sure of smooth, secure, and fully digital payment processing for passport applicants during the meeting.
According to the reports, the initiative is part of the government’s plan to modernise public services. And to reduce cash handling and decrease long lines at banks and passport offices.
Under the new system, citizens will soon be able to pay passport fees through mobile wallets, banking apps, and digital payment platforms without visiting bank branches.
Muhammad Ali Randhawa directed all stakeholders to speed up the rollout of the system. He said that the move is expected to improve transparency, efficiency, and public convenience.
Officials further said that the digitisation of the process will also reduce manual work and remove middlemen. It will also improve service delivery.
Representatives of participating institutions assured full cooperation for the early launch of the system and supported the government’s digital governance goals.
The cashless payment system is expected to be introduced in phases across the country. The step will make passport fee payments faster, easier, and more transparent through digital records.
Pakistan approves blue passports
The government has approved blue passports for 42 top taxpayers who were named ambassadors at large on the directions of Prime Minister (PM) of Pakistan, Mian Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif.
Director General of Immigration and Passports Muhammad Ali Randhawa said that most of the blue passports have already been issued.
Officials have said that the government is also considering a new proposal to introduce special coloured passports for businessmen who pay taxes above a certain amount.
The proposal is being discussed with the Ministry of Commerce and the Federal Board of Revenue.
