The federal government has decided to phase out machine-readable passports by transitioning entirely to e-passports. Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi announced this decision on Friday while chairing a special meeting at the Immigration and Passports Headquarters.
Key Reforms Approved
The meeting approved important reforms in the passport system, including an in-principle decision to completely shift passport issuance to e-passports. According to a statement from the Ministry of Interior, the full adoption of e-passports will help eliminate fraud and forgery associated with passports.
Premium Services and Fees
The meeting decided that applicants opting for premium services would be charged fees according to the actual costs incurred in providing passport services.
Home Delivery of Passports
The meeting was informed that initial work for introducing home delivery of passports, both within Pakistan and abroad, has been completed. The service to deliver passports directly to citizens' doorsteps will be launched soon.
Cashless Payment System
Participants decided that a cashless payment system would be implemented at passport offices countrywide from July 1. Online passport applications will be shifted to the Pak ID platform.
Business Passport Policy
The interior minister directed that the 'Business Passport Policy' be finalized as soon as possible in consultation with the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR).
Immigration and Passports Director General Muhammad Ali Randhawa gave a detailed briefing to the minister on the proposed reforms and ongoing initiatives.
