ISLAMABAD: Pakistan has formally launched issuing electronic passports (e-passports) at Pakistani diplomatic missions worldwide.
The move it termed as a major milestone under the vision of the prime minister and the directives of Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi, according to the Director General of Immigration and Passports.The launch was made possible through the continuous efforts of the Directorate General of Immigration and Passports team.
Equipped with advanced security features and designed in accordance with international standards, e-passports represent a significant step towards modernising Pakistan’s passport services. According to the director general, machine-readable passports already issued will remain valid until their expiry dates, while e-passports will be issued to applicants seeking new passports.
The initiative has been described as a major milestone in modernising Pakistan’s passport services under the vision of “One Nation, One Passport, One Identity.” The shift aims to modernise passport services, strengthen document security and bring Pakistan’s travel documents in line with international standards.
E-passports contain an electronic chip that stores biometric and personal information, helping improve verification and reduce the risk of forgery. The change also means higher passport fees for applicants.
A normal 36-page e-passport valid for five years costs Rs9,000, compared with Rs4,500 for the equivalent machine-readable passport. The urgent processing fee has increased to Rs15,000 from Rs7,500, while fast-track charges have also been revised.
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