Govt Launches E-Passport Service in Pakistan
The Directorate General of Immigration and Passport has launched E-Passport Service in Pakistan.
It has initiated a significant technological advancement in travel documents by launching the e-passport service nationwide.
Key aspects of this initiative include:
| E-Passport Type | Duration | Standard Fee (Rs) | Urgent Fee (Rs) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 36-page | 5 years | 9,000 | 15,000 |
| 36-page | 10 years | 13,500 | 22,500 |
| 72-page | 5 years | 15,000 | 27,000 |
| 72-page | 10 years | 24,750 | 40,500 |
E-Passport Issuance Across Pakistan: The Directorate has made these electronic passports available across the entire country.
Introduction of Smart Gates: To complement the e-passport system, smart gates are planned to be installed at major international airports in cities like Islamabad, Lahore, and Karachi. They will help speed up immigration clearance.
Pricing Structure: The government has clearly defined the fees for these e-passports. The cost for a standard 36-page e-passport with a five-year validity is set at Rs 9,000, while an urgent issuance is priced at Rs 15,000. For a ten-year validity, the fee is Rs 13,500 for normal processing and Rs 22,500 for urgent processing. There are also options for a 72-page e-passport, with different pricing for five-year and ten-year durations under normal and urgent conditions.Pakistan urges Saudi Arabia to facilitate Pakistani IT companies in travel, Visas
Availability and Security Features: E-passports are available at all passport offices across Pakistan, ensuring easy access for citizens. These passports have over 20 advanced security features to ensure safety and data protection.
Global Expansion Plans: The Directorate also has plans to extend the issuance of e-passports to Pakistani embassies around the world, particularly in Europe and America, in the near future, further facilitating international travel for Pakistani citizens.
