In a major step towards digitisation for the ease of the public, the government is planning to introduce a digital system for passport fee payments to improve services, as per reports on Monday.
A meeting was held between the Director General of Immigration and Passports, Muhammad Ali Randhawa, and a delegation from a private bank, according to the reports. They discussed a modern digital system for paying passport fees.
Cashless passport payment app
Work has also started on a new cashless payment system in the immigration and passport department. Citizens will soon be able to pay passport and immigration fees through a mobile app.
Muhammad Ali Randhawa said that digital payments will make service delivery faster and more transparent.
The private bank and immigration officials also agreed on a digital payment mechanism. Efforts are also going on to achieve the goal of a cashless system in Pakistan.
Plan for cashless passport fee collection
Recently, significant progress has been reported in the development of a digital payment system for passport fees.
According to reports, Director General of Immigration and Passports Muhammad Ali Randhawa held a key meeting with Muhammad Munir Afsar, Chairman of the National Database and Registration Authority (NADRA), where both sides agreed to strengthen institutional collaboration.
During the meeting, officials approved plans to introduce QR code based payment options through popular digital platforms, including JazzCash, EasyPaisa, and 1LINK.
A passport is an official document issued by the Government of Pakistan that allows the citizens to travel internationally. It helps confirm the identity and nationality of the travellers.
The Directorate General of Immigration and Passports, under the Ministry of Interior, is responsible for issuing passports. Both ordinary and official passports are issued.
A passport is usually valid for five or ten years. For children under 15 years of age, a five year passport is issued. Machine readable passports are more secure and modern.
People can apply for a passport online or through consulates. International travel is not possible without a passport.
