Pakistan has decided to gradually shift to electronic passports (e-passports) only, while introducing a QR code-based payment system for passport fees as part of efforts to modernize passport services and improve convenience for citizens.
The decisions were taken during a high-level meeting chaired by Director General Immigration and Passports Muhammad Ali Randhawa at the Directorate General headquarters in Islamabad.
Officials were informed that, from July 1, 2026, passport offices across the country will stop accepting cash payments. Applicants will instead be required to pay passport fees through a QR code-based digital payment system.
The meeting was also informed that the Directorate General Immigration and Passports is preparing to launch a dedicated mobile application that will allow Pakistanis at home and abroad to apply for passports online.
Under the planned reforms, applicants will also be able to receive their passports at their doorstep. Courier companies TCS and DHL have been engaged to provide delivery services.
Officials said the new measures are expected to reduce overcrowding at passport offices and streamline the application process.
The meeting further decided that Pakistan will gradually transition from Machine Readable Passports (MRPs) to e-passports in line with International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) guidelines, with e-passports becoming the standard travel document in the future.
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