Pakistan Switches to E-Passports at Home and Abroad

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan has moved to e-passport-only issuance for new applications and renewals across the country and at Pakistani diplomatic missions abroad, according to a statement issued by the Directorate General of Immigration and Passports (DGI&P).

The policy takes effect on October 23, 2026, replacing the issuance of new machine-readable passports with electronic passports. Previously reported revised arrangements allowed machine-readable passport applications and renewals until October 22.

Existing Machine-Readable Passports Remain Valid

The directorate clarified that machine-readable passports already issued will remain valid until their stated expiry dates. Holders therefore do not need to replace an otherwise valid passport solely because of the transition.

For residents of Islamabad, the change means that fresh passport applications and applications to renew expiring documents will now result in an e-passport, according to the announcement.

Move Aims to Modernise Passport Services

The directorate said the transition had been completed in line with the prime minister’s vision and instructions from Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi. It described the move as part of efforts to modernise passport services for Pakistanis living both within the country and overseas.

According to the press release, e-passports incorporate advanced security features designed to strengthen travel-document security and make identity verification more effective in accordance with international standards.

Director General Immigration and Passports Muhammad Ali Randhawa described the rollout as an important step towards providing citizens with modern travel documents and upgrading Pakistan’s passport services.

The announcement concerns the format of newly issued and renewed passports; it does not cancel existing machine-readable documents.