ISLAMABAD: Pakistan has decided in principle to transition entirely to an electronic passport system as part of a sweeping package of reforms aimed at modernising passport services, improving security, and enhancing public convenience. The decision was taken during a special meeting chaired by Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi at the Passport and Immigration Headquarters in Islamabad.
E-Passport Features and Benefits
Officials said the complete shift to e-passports would significantly reduce fraud and forgery associated with travel documents. An e-Passport is a highly secure travel document with an electronic chip embedded in one of its pages. The contactless NFC chip securely stores biometric data, facial details, biographical information, a unique identification number and a digital signature. The chip allows border control and smart devices to read data wirelessly.
Pakistan's e-passports are compliant with the International Civil Aviation Organisation's standards. Pakistani e-passport holders will be able to use e-gate facilities at airports worldwide, reducing immigration queues.
New Fee Structure and Home Delivery
The meeting also approved a new fee structure under which applicants seeking premium passport services will be required to pay charges commensurate with the actual cost of those services. In another citizen-friendly initiative, authorities announced that preparatory work for home delivery of passports, both within Pakistan and abroad, has been completed. The service is expected to be launched soon, enabling citizens to receive passports at their doorstep without visiting passport offices for collection.
