Pakistan is set to completely digitize its passport issuance system, incorporating a home delivery service and transitioning fully to electronic e-passports, the interior ministry announced. This initiative aims to enhance security and convenience for citizens both domestically and abroad.
The decision was finalized in a meeting led by Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi at the Passports and Immigration Headquarters, focusing on eradicating identity fraud through technological upgrades. A key component of the reform is the shift to a cashless payment system across all passport offices, effective from July 1, 2026.
Future passports will be issued exclusively as e-passports embedded with biometric technology, significantly reducing the risks of forgery and document tampering. To simplify the application process, all passport services will be integrated into the existing “Pak-ID” digital platform, managed by the National Database and Registration Authority (NADRA).
Minister Naqvi emphasized that adopting modern technology will not only increase transparency but also improve public service delivery. The government has completed the necessary preparations to enable door-to-door passport delivery for citizens within Pakistan and overseas Pakistanis.
The reform also introduces a tiered pricing structure for premium processing services, designed to recover operational and delivery costs. Additionally, the transition to cashless transactions will be mandatory at all regional passport offices by the mid-2026 deadline.
In a significant development, the government is also focusing on corporate travel documentation. Naqvi instructed immigration authorities to swiftly finalize a “Business Passport” policy in collaboration with the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR).
Director General of Passports and Immigration Mustafa Ali Randhawa provided a detailed technical briefing on the timeline and implementation of these infrastructure upgrades, marking a major step forward in modernizing Pakistan’s passport system.