E-passport renewal and reprint services will be available at all NADRA centres across Pakistan, including Karachi, from September 7, according to a spokesperson.
The issuance, replacement and processing of new e-passports will continue at passport offices. Meanwhile, passport counters at NADRA offices will gradually be phased out, and the staff deployed there will be recalled. The facility is being introduced at NADRA centres under an agreement between the Passport Department and NADRA.
The modern e-passport will feature an electronic chip containing the holder’s biometric and personal information and will comply with the standards set by the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO). The e-passport will also include an NFC chip, laser engraving, and infrared and ultraviolet security features. These technologies are expected to make the identification and verification process at airports more secure and efficient.
On the other hand, passport delivery counters across the country will remain open every Saturday from 8:00 am to 4:00 pm for the next two months, allowing citizens to collect their ready passports on weekends. The Directorate General of Immigration and Passports (DGIP) has advised citizens to collect their passports promptly once they are ready for delivery.
The Saturday facility is particularly aimed at citizens who are unable to visit passport offices during regular working hours. Applicants are encouraged to take advantage of the additional weekly service to avoid delays in collecting their documents. The DG Immigration and Passports has also reminded citizens that passports left uncollected for more than six months will be destroyed in accordance with government policy. The DG has appealed to all passport applicants to collect their ready passports within the stipulated period.
On the other hand, Director General of Immigration and Passports Muhammad Ali Randhawa has directed officials to expedite the implementation of the new passport application system. Muhammad Ali Randhawa chaired a meeting with all zonal heads, during which he issued instructions to strengthen security and safety arrangements at passport offices to ensure the protection of both citizens and staff.