Pakistan goes cashless for passport fees

Pakistan has officially introduced a nationwide cashless payment system for passport services, marking a major step

Pakistan has officially introduced a nationwide cashless payment system for passport services, marking a major step towards the digital transformation of immigration and public services.

Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi announced that all passport offices across the country have shifted to digital payments, eliminating the need for cash transactions at service counters.

Under the new system, applicants can now pay passport fees electronically without standing in long queues or waiting for extended periods to deposit payments. Authorities say the move is designed to make the passport application process faster, more transparent and more convenient for citizens.

The interior minister stated that the initiative was launched under the direction of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif as part of the government’s broader agenda to modernise public services and improve service delivery.

The reform follows the government’s decision last month to digitise the country’s passport issuance system and introduce technology-driven solutions aimed at reducing delays, preventing fraud and improving efficiency.

Officials confirmed that passport fee payments will now be processed through digital channels, including QR code-based payment options integrated with the government’s digital platforms.

The authorities are also working to transfer online passport services to the Pak-ID system to provide a more seamless experience for applicants.

Meanwhile, Director General of Immigration and Passports Muhammad Ali Randhawa recently announced plans for Pakistan to gradually move towards issuing only electronic passports in the future.

As part of the ongoing reforms, the Directorate General of Immigration and Passports is also preparing to launch a dedicated mobile application that will allow Pakistanis living both inside the country and abroad to submit passport applications online without visiting passport offices.

The upcoming service will also include home delivery of passports through courier companies, allowing applicants to receive their travel documents at their doorstep.

Officials believe these digital initiatives will significantly reduce overcrowding at passport offices while improving accessibility, transparency and efficiency in passport-related services nationwide.