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Pakistan Moves to Full E-Passport System

Government leaders say the change aims to curb passport fraud by linking online applications to the Pak ID platform and speeding service delivery.

Overview

  • The Interior Ministry approved the package at a high-level meeting on Friday, June 19, 2026, deciding to shift passport issuance entirely to electronic e-passports.
  • Officials say the move will cut forgery by using digital passports with stronger security features and by centralising records on the Pak ID platform.
  • All passport offices will begin operating a cashless payments system from July 1, 2026, to reduce manual handling and speed up fee collection.
  • Preparatory work for a home delivery service for passports both inside Pakistan and at missions abroad is complete and the service is expected to launch soon.
  • The ministry directed officials to finalise a business-passport policy in consultation with the Federal Board of Revenue and said applicants who choose premium services will pay fees that reflect the higher service costs.