The government has introduced an important amendment to passport regulations allowing married women to retain their father’s name on their passports. The move grants women greater autonomy in determining their legal identity.
This step has been taken in compliance with a court order. Following directives issued by the Lahore High Court necessary changes have been made to the passport system giving married women a new option regarding the entry of names on identity documents.
According to the Passport Department married women will now be able to keep their father’s name on their passports instead of replacing it with their husband’s name.
Officials stated that under the guidance of the Ministry of Interior and the Law Ministry the passport software has also been updated to ensure full and effective implementation of the court’s decision.
Legal experts have termed this decision a significant step forward in safeguarding women’s identity rights.
In separate news, Pakistan has set a target of creating job opportunities for 800,000 of its citizens in Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries in 2026.
The initiative forms part of wider reforms focused on enhancing skills, addressing challenges on overseas employment and strengthening the economy at national level.
According to Khaleej Times, the government is implementing some extensive measures to simplify the procedures for employment overseas and to safeguard the rights of workers better.
Officials are also seeking to match local workforce skills with the needs of the global labour markets, a move that is said to be important for Pakistan’s economic improvement.
The United Arab Emirates and other GCC nations remain the primary destinations of Pakistani workers.
Currently more than nine million Pakistanis are living and working in GCC countries contributing to the regional labour markets but playing an important role in supporting the economy of Pakistan through their remittances.
Also read: Big update by NADRA for overseas Pakistanis
