Pakistan To Make e-Passports Mandatory In 2027

Pakistan is all set to introduce e-passports as mandatory documents in the year 2027. Passport Pakistan Director General Mustafa Jamal Qazi recently made this landmark decision. It is pertinent to mention here that this decision underscores Pakistan’s commitment to enhance immigration and border security protocols.

During Jamal Qazi’s recent visit to the Karachi Passport Office, he revealed that the shift from traditional machine-readable passports to e-passports is in its final stages. He said that soon travelers will enjoy a smoother and safer process. Reports claim that the coming months will see a technological upgrade in the passport system of Pakistan. Qazi Sahib will also reveal the plan to install the new passport system within six to seven months. The move coincides with the issuing of a staggering 6.5 million passports this year alone. It shows the growing number of Pakistani nationals traveling abroad.

However, serious concerns have been raised amid these developments regarding the alleged unauthorized issuance of Pakistani passports to Afghan nationals. To address these concerns, a high-level task force has also been constituted by the government. It will ensure the integrity and credibility of the passport issuance process.