Pakistan Ends Machine Readable Passports From Today, Shifts Fully To E-Passport System

ISLAMABAD : Pakistan has officially discontinued the issuance of Machine Readable Passports (MRPs) from today, October 15, 2026, completing its transition to a fully electronic passport system, the Directorate General of Immigration and Passports (DGI&P) announced.

According to a public notice issued by the Consulate General of Pakistan in New York and circulated to all passport offices and diplomatic missions abroad, applicants seeking new passports on or after October 15 will be issued e-passports only. October 14 was the last day for MRP applications.

*Key Details:*

*What changes from today:*
The DGI&P has directed all passport offices across Pakistan and Pakistani embassies and consulates worldwide to implement the new system. No new MRP will be issued after the deadline.

*Validity of existing MRPs:*
Existing machine readable passports will not become invalid immediately. They will remain valid until their printed expiry dates. However, once expired, they will not be renewed as MRPs and holders will have to apply for an e-passport.

*What is an e-passport:*
An e-passport contains a contactless electronic chip that stores biometric data, facial identification and personal information. It is compliant with International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) standards and allows electronic verification at e-gates at international airports, ensuring faster immigration clearance and enhanced security against forgery.

*Background:*
The decision follows a meeting chaired by Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi in June 2026 to strengthen passport security and prevent fraud. Pakistan has been gradually introducing e-passports since August 16, 2023, when the facility was made available at field offices nationwide.

*Temporary suspension in Oman:*
The Embassy of Pakistan in Muscat announced a temporary suspension of passport services on October 15 due to technical issues linked to the system transition. Services are scheduled to resume on October 16, 2026.

Citizens have been advised to apply for e-passports at least six months before expiry of their current documents.