Govt Approves Blue Passports for 42 Top Taxpayers

Pakistan has approved blue passports for 42 top taxpayers designated as ambassadors-at-large, on the directions of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, according to the Director General of Immigration and Passports, Muhammad Ali Randhawa.

Speaking to Dawn, Randhawa said most of the approved blue passports had already been issued, while authorities are also considering another proposal for special-colored passports for businessmen who pay taxes above a certain threshold. He said the proposal is currently under discussion with the Ministry of Commerce and the Federal Board of Revenue.

The Directorate General of Immigration and Passports is also planning several digital reforms, including nationwide home delivery of passports and the launch of a chatbot system for applicants.

According to Randhawa, discussions are underway with a courier company to introduce doorstep passport delivery services across Pakistan for applicants willing to pay nominal courier charges. He added that the service could later be expanded for overseas Pakistanis during the second phase of the project.

The department also plans to launch a chatbot that would guide applicants on procedures, required documents, and passport application status tracking.

Officials believe the system will reduce pressure on the department’s call centers, which are also being expanded.

Randhawa further said authorities are seriously considering allowing online passport applications through either a dedicated mobile application similar to Nadra’s Pak ID system or by expanding the functionality of the existing Nadra platform.

Under the proposed digital system, applicants would be able to upload old passports, photographs, and supporting documents online while receiving email notifications if additional verification is required.

The DGIP chief also announced that after June 30, passport fees will no longer be deposited through National Bank branches. Instead, the department plans to fully activate cashless payment systems through QR codes and mobile banking applications in an effort to eliminate the role of agents and simplify the payment process for applicants.