Pakistan has introduced a new e-passport with advanced chip technology, biometric security and faster identity verification, the Directorate General of Immigration and Passports said. Issuance of the document began on 23 October 2026.
The directorate said the passport is meant to bring the country’s travel documents into line with current international standards. It promoted the launch on its official social media account on 28 October 2026, calling it a new era of secure and modern passport services.
Chip, encryption and anti-forgery features
According to the directorate, the passport includes a modern electronic chip and Near Field Communication (NFC) technology, which are meant to better protect personal and biometric information. It also carries laser engraving and an updated design aimed at making forgery harder.
Also read: Pakistan Ends Machine-Readable Passports, Shifts to e-Passports
The directorate said the passport uses data encryption in line with standards set by the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO).
Faster immigration checks and fraud prevention
The new document is expected to speed up identity verification and streamline immigration procedures. Its electronic features are designed to support automated checks at e-gates, which could let eligible travellers pass through more quickly and avoid traditional queues.
The system is also intended to help curb identity fraud by making it easier for authorities to verify holders’ personal and biometric details. The directorate said these measures are meant to improve the security and reliability of Pakistan’s travel documents.
