Pakistan Ends Machine-Readable Passport Issuance After 22 Years

Pakistan Ends Machine-Readable Passport Issuance After 22 Years

ByBisma Zafar

Pakistan has officially ceased the issuance of machine-readable passports (MRPs), transitioning fully to electronic passports (e-passports) as of today. This development marks the conclusion of a two-decade-old passport system historically used by millions across the country.

Shift to E-Passports Reflects Global Trends

The move to discontinue MRPs, which had been in circulation for 22 years, comes after the government introduced e-passports in March 2022. Initially available only to diplomats and residents in the capital, the option was expanded in August 2023 to include all citizens, offering them a choice between MRPs and e-passports. Now, only e-passports will be issued nationwide.

Authorities have assured passport holders that existing MRPs will remain valid until their official expiration dates, but renewal of these documents will no longer be possible, pushing citizens to switch to e-passports when their current passports expire.

Historical Context and Significance for Pakistan

Before the launch of MRPs, Pakistan relied on handwritten passports since its establishment. The introduction of machine-readable passports was a significant modernization step at the time, enhancing travel security and aligning with international norms. The latest transition to e-passports takes this modernization further by embedding enhanced security features and digitization, which aims to meet contemporary global standards.

Implications for Pakistani Travelers

For citizens, this upgrade promises smoother international travel experiences due to the improved security of e-passports, which are harder to forge and quicker to verify at borders. It also reflects Pakistan’s commitment to embracing modern technology in its administrative services. Moving exclusively to e-passports is expected to improve overall document security and efficiency in processing travel documents, which benefits Pakistani travelers living abroad and the diaspora community.

An official highlighted the importance of this step, stating, “This transition is aimed at modernizing passport services and matching international security benchmarks.” For Pakistan, this change not only enhances the safety of its travel documents but also signals a broader shift toward embracing digital governance.

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