Pakistan has decided to gradually replace traditional machine-readable passports with electronic passports (e-passports) in a move aimed at enhancing security, improving international compatibility, and streamlining travel procedures.
Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi announced the decision during a special meeting at the Passport and Immigration Headquarters in Islamabad on June 20. While the transition to e-passports was approved in principle, authorities have not yet set a deadline for phasing out existing machine-readable passports.
Chairing the meeting, Naqvi said the shift would help curb document-related fraud. “The complete transition to e-passports will end fraud and forgery related to passports,” he said.
Director General Passports and Immigration (DGI&P) Muhammad Ali Randhawa briefed the minister on ongoing reforms and measures aimed at modernizing passport services.
Enhanced security and global compatibility
An e-passport is a highly secure travel document embedded with a contactless electronic chip that stores biometric and personal information, including facial details, biographical data, a unique identification number, and a digital signature. The chip can be read wirelessly by border control systems and compatible devices.
Pakistan’s e-passports comply with standards set by the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), allowing holders to use automated e-gates at airports around the world and reducing waiting times at immigration counters.
The transition is part of broader efforts to improve security and enhance public convenience, according to officials.
Cashless payments from July 1
The meeting also decided that all passport offices across the country will adopt a cashless payment system beginning July 1, ending manual cash handling at banks.
Randhawa informed the meeting that initial work on a home delivery service for passports had been completed for citizens both within Pakistan and abroad.
“The process of providing passports at citizens’ doorsteps will start soon,” Naqvi said.
A home delivery system has also been established across Pakistan and at the country’s consular services worldwide, enabling applicants to receive passports at their homes rather than visiting offices to collect them.
Authorities also decided to integrate the Pak ID platform with online passport applications to simplify submissions and reduce processing times.
Naqvi directed officials to finalize a policy for business passports at the earliest in consultation with the Federal Board of Revenue.
When was e-Passport first launched?
Pakistan’s e-passport system was officially launched in March 2022, initially for diplomatic and official passport holders. The facility was subsequently extended to residents of Islamabad in 2023 before being expanded nationwide.
According to the DGI&P, e-passport issuance services have been available at all Regional Passport Offices across the country since August 16, 2023.
Pakistan E-Passport fees
Citizens can apply for either 36-page or 72-page ordinary e-passports with validity periods of five or 10 years, according to
Under the current fee structure, a 36-page e-passport valid for five years costs Rs9,000 under the normal category and Rs15,000 for urgent processing, while the 10-year version costs Rs13,500 and Rs22,500, respectively.
For a 72-page passport, the fee is Rs16,500 for normal processing and Rs27,000 for urgent processing for five years, rising to Rs24,750 and Rs40,500, respectively, for a 10-year validity period.
How e-passports differ from regular passports
Unlike conventional machine-readable passports, which contain printed information and a machine-readable code, e-passports include an embedded electronic chip that securely stores biometric and identity data.
The additional security features make them harder to forge and enable travelers to use automated e-gates at many international airports, helping speed up immigration procedures. Existing machine-readable passports will remain valid until their expiry dates, although Pakistan plans to eventually transition fully to e-passports.