Islamabad, Pakistan: The federal government approved a gradual shift to Pakistan e-Passports during a meeting chaired by Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi on Friday.
The decision was made at the Passport and Immigration Headquarters in Islamabad. Officials said the reforms aim to improve document security and modernise passport services.
Naqvi said e-Passports would help eliminate fraud and forgery linked to travel documents. Officials said the system would also reduce the risk of identity theft and improve service speed for citizens.
The meeting also reviewed premium passport services. Under the plan, applicants seeking faster or enhanced facilities would pay fees based on the cost of those services.
Officials said preliminary work for home delivery of passports had been completed inside Pakistan and abroad. The service will allow citizens to receive passports at their doorstep once launched.
Authorities also approved a cashless payment system at all passport offices from July 1. Online passport applications will move to the Pak-ID platform to streamline digital processing.
Naqvi directed officials to finalise the proposed Business Passport Policy in consultation with the Federal Board of Revenue. Director General of Passports and Immigration Muhammad Ali Randhawa briefed the minister on the reforms.
Read: Passport Home Delivery Service To Launch Across Pakistan
Officials said Pakistan’s e-Passport contains an embedded electronic chip with biometric and personal data. The document uses a contactless NFC chip and meets International Civil Aviation Organisation standards.
The e-Passport includes 29 security features, including infrared and ultraviolet protections, laser-engraved data storage and real-time verification at airports. Officials said the document can support faster immigration processing through e-Gates.
