Mustafa Jamal Qazi, the Director General of Passports in Pakistan, revealed that a significant milestone had been achieved in 2023 with the issuance of 6.5 million passports. In a crucial move towards modernization, Qazi announced the mandatory implementation of e-passports in Pakistan from 2027, indicating that the necessary preparations for this transition had been successfully completed.
During a visit to the Karachi Passport Office, Qazi elaborated on the ongoing transformation of existing machine-readable passports into e-passports. This comprehensive upgrade is expected to be finalized within the next 6 to 7 months, highlighting the government’s commitment to embracing advanced technology.
Addressing concerns related to passports issued to Afghans, Qazi reassured the public that a dedicated task force is actively investigating 12,000 such passports, underscoring the importance of ensuring the integrity and legitimacy of travel documents.
Furthermore, Qazi addressed and alleviated worries about passport issuance delays by confirming the resolution of supply chain issues. The procurement of an ample supply of lamination paper for printing has been secured, allowing for the smooth resumption of passport issuance services. This proactive approach reflects the administration’s commitment to efficient and reliable passport services for its citizens.
