In a major development, Pakistan is going to digital transformation of its passport system by issuing e-passports from 1st July 2026. As part of its new reforms, in the e-passport system, cash payments fees will not be acceptable anymore.
To introduce the new system, this decision was taken in a high-level meeting chaired by Director General Immigration and Passports Muhammad Ali Randhawa, under the directions of Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi.
Officials said that under the new system, key changes have been made which included cashless passport fee system, which means that passport fee payments will no longer be accepted in cash. Only QR code-based digital payments will be allowed and all passport offices across Pakistan will adopt the system with a purpose to reduce corruption risks and speed up processing.
They added that the government planned a gradual transition from Machine Readable Passports (MRPs) to fully electronic passports (e-passports) in line with International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) standards. It would enhance biometric security, improve global travel authentication and replacement of old passport systems.
To facilitate people, a passport mobile application is being developed. Through the app, citizens would apply for passports online. Besides, overseas Pakistanis would also be able to apply remotely and all tracking and updates would be available digitally.
Applicants would be able to receive passports at home through delivery partners-TCS and DHL The officials said that it would certainly reduce need for repeated office visits. The officials maintained that he initiative is designed to modernize Pakistan’s passport system. improve transparency and efficiency, reduce overcrowding at passport offices.
