ISLAMABAD: The Directorate General of Immigration and Passports has announced that Pakistan will stop issuing machine-readable passports (MRPs) from October 23, 2026, switching entirely to electronic passports (e-passports).
In a message shared on social media, the department informed the public that all passport offices across Pakistan and Pakistani diplomatic missions abroad would issue only e-passports to new applicants from the announced date.
The transition date has been revised from October 15 to October 23, 2026, giving the authorities additional time to prepare for the implementation of the new system.
Under the revised policy, applicants seeking new passports after October 23 will receive e-passports instead of machine-readable documents.
Pakistani embassies and diplomatic missions abroad have also issued official notices informing citizens about the change.
The move marks a transition towards a more modern passport system, with e-passports incorporating electronic chips designed to improve document security and help prevent forgery.
Citizens planning to apply for passports have been advised to take note of the new implementation date and make their applications accordingly.
Read also: Pakistan Set to Replace Machine-Readable Passports with E-Passports
