Pakistan to Fully Adopt E-Passports, Phasing Out Machine-Readable Documents

ISLAMABAD: The federal government has decided to gradually discontinue machine-readable passports and move entirely to electronic passports (e-passports), Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi announced on Friday, describing the initiative as a major step toward enhancing security and modernizing Pakistan’s travel documentation system.

Speaking during a special meeting at the Passport and Immigration Headquarters, Naqvi said the nationwide adoption of e-passports would significantly reduce the risk of fraud and forgery while bringing Pakistan’s passport system in line with international standards.

“The transition to e-passports will eliminate many forms of passport-related fraud and ensure greater security for citizens,” the minister stated.

During the meeting, Director General Passports and Immigration Muhammad Ali Randhawa briefed officials on the ongoing reforms within the department. Participants agreed in principle to phase out machine-readable passports, although a timeline for the complete transition has yet to be announced.

E-passports contain an embedded electronic chip that securely stores a holder’s biometric information, facial image, personal details, unique identification number, and digital signature. The contactless chip allows authorities to verify traveler information quickly and securely through modern scanning systems.

Pakistan’s e-passports comply with standards set by the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO), enabling citizens to access automated e-gate facilities at airports around the world and helping reduce waiting times during immigration procedures.

The meeting also approved the introduction of a cashless payment system at all passport offices nationwide beginning July 1. The move is aimed at improving transparency and eliminating manual cash transactions.

Officials informed the minister that preliminary arrangements for home delivery of passports, both within Pakistan and for overseas Pakistanis, have been completed. Naqvi said the service would be launched soon to make passport collection more convenient for citizens.

To further streamline the application process, the government plans to integrate the Pak ID platform with online passport services, allowing applicants to submit documents digitally and receive faster processing.

The interior minister also instructed authorities to finalize a policy framework for business passports in consultation with the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR), emphasizing the need to modernize passport services and improve ease of access for citizens and businesses alike.