Pakistan has decided to permanently abolish the traditional system of collecting passport fees in cash at passport offices across the country from July 1, 2026. Under the new policy, citizens will be required to pay passport fees exclusively through digital payment methods.
The landmark decision was confirmed during a briefing at an important meeting of zonal heads chaired by Director General Immigration and Passports, Muhammad Ali Randhawa.
Officials informed the meeting that passport offices will now accept fee payments only through QR code-based digital transactions.
To further simplify the process, the department is set to launch a new “Passport Mobile App.” Through the app, Pakistanis residing both within the country and abroad will be able to submit passport applications online from their homes. Once the passport is issued, it will be delivered directly to the applicant’s doorstep.
Authorities also revealed that the Directorate General Immigration and Passports has decided to issue only modern e-Passports in the future.
However, for the convenience of citizens, officials clarified that all existing Machine Readable Passports (MRPs) currently in circulation will remain valid and fully acceptable until their respective expiry dates. Therefore, passport holders will not be required to replace their current passports immediately.
Govt decides to fully shift passport issuance to e-passports
Earlier, the government decided to completely transition passport issuance to the e-passport system and introduce home delivery services for passport applicants.
The decision was made during a meeting held at the Passport and Immigration Headquarters, chaired by Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi.
During the meeting, officials informed participants that the preliminary work for passport home delivery services, both within Pakistan and abroad, has been completed.
The service, which will allow citizens to receive passports at their doorstep, is expected to be launched soon. Applicants opting for premium services will be required to pay fees based on the actual cost of passport processing and delivery.
Also read: Govt decides to fully shift passport issuance to e-passports
