Pakistan announces new date for implementing e-passport policy

The Directorate General of Immigration and Passports has extended the deadline for the adoption of the e-passport-only issuance system in Pakistan. The new deadline is October 23, 2026.

The policy would be applicable to passport offices across the country and to Pakistani diplomatic missions working abroad. With effect from the date, all new passport applications will be issued with electronic passports instead of machine readable passports.

The amended schedule indicates that the issuing and renewal of machine-readable passports would go on until October 22. Transition to be necessary from 15 October 2023, initially slated to commence 15 October.

Officials say machine-readable passports issued before Oct. 23 would continue to be accepted as acceptable travel credentials until they expire. The new policy does not demand the early replacement of unexpired MRPs by their holders.

The introduction of e-passports aims to upgrade passport services and to improve the security and efficiency of travel documents in line with international standards.