Pakistan rolls out E-passports nationwide and at diplomatic missions abroad

Pakistan has announced the nationwide rollout of electronic passports (e-passports) extending issuance to Pakistani diplomatic missions overseas as part of efforts to modernise its travel document system and strengthen passport security.

Pakistan has announced the nationwide rollout of electronic passports (e-passports) extending issuance to Pakistani diplomatic missions overseas as part of efforts to modernise its travel document system and strengthen passport security.

Director General of Immigration and Passports Muhammad Ali Rindhawa announced the development in a video message saying the new passports had been introduced in line with standards set by the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO).

Rindhawa credited the achievement to the efforts of the passport department carried out under the vision of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and the directions of Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi. He said the team had worked intensively to complete the rollout.

Under the new arrangement e-passports will be issued to applicants across Pakistan and through Pakistani diplomatic missions abroad replacing machine-readable passports (MRPs) as the document issued for new applications and renewals.

Existing passports remain valid

The director general clarified that people who already hold machine-readable passports do not need to replace them immediately. Existing MRPs will remain valid until their printed expiry dates.

However, applicants seeking a new passport or renewing an existing document will receive an e-passport under the announced policy. This means current passport holders can continue using their documents until expiry, provided they remain valid for their intended travel.

The clarification is particularly relevant for travellers concerned about whether the change requires them to submit an immediate renewal application.

Enhanced security features

E-passports contain an electronic chip that stores specified identity and biometric information helping authorities verify a traveller’s identity and improve document security. Their design follows internationally established technical standards intended to support reliable passport authentication.

The technology may also facilitate identity checks at compatible automated border-control gates in countries where such facilities are available. However, the use of e-gates depends on the destination country’s systems and eligibility requirements; an electronic passport does not automatically guarantee faster entry or visa-free travel.

The launch represents a further step in Pakistan’s efforts to upgrade its passport services and align travel documentation with international technical requirements.

The announcement was presented under the slogan “One Nation, One Passport, One Identity,” reflecting the government’s emphasis on a unified national travel document system.

For the public the main takeaway is straightforward: existing machine-readable passports remain valid until expiry while new applications and renewals will be processed under the e-passport system.

Further details about fees, application procedures and arrangements for applicants inside Pakistan and overseas should be confirmed through official passport department channels.