Pakistan To Fully Transition To E-Passports

The government has decided in principle to fully transition from machine-readable passports to e-passports, marking a major step towards modernising Pakistan’s travel documentation system.

Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi announced the move during a meeting at the Directorate General of Immigration and Passports headquarters, stating that the shift aims to enhance security, improve international compatibility, and streamline travel procedures for citizens.

Officials said e-passports, which contain an embedded electronic chip with biometric information, offer stronger protection against fraud and forgery while enabling faster processing through e-gates at airports worldwide.

The e-passport facility is already available at passport offices across Pakistan, and authorities are now working on a phased transition to eventually replace traditional machine-readable passports. However, no deadline has yet been announced for the complete switchover.

The government has also approved measures to reduce passport delivery times and promote cashless services as part of broader reforms aimed at improving public service delivery.

Analysts say the nationwide adoption of e-passports could strengthen border security, facilitate international travel for Pakistani citizens, and support the country’s wider digital transformation efforts.