Decision Taken to Stop Issuance of New Machine-Readable Passports
Mian Nadeem | Published September 24, 2026 | 07:30 PM
Pakistan has decided to completely stop issuing new machine-readable passports, with all applications submitted on or after October 15 to be accepted exclusively for e-passports.
According to details, the Government of Pakistan has decided to halt the issuance of machine-readable passports at all passport offices across the country and abroad, transitioning solely to modern e-passports. The Directorate General of Immigration and Passports has prepared a plan to stop processing new machine-readable passport applications from October 15, 2026. Citizens can submit applications for new machine-readable passports only until October 14, 2026.
From October 15 onward, all applications will be accepted exclusively for e-passports.
Citizens currently holding machine-readable passports may use them until their expiry. However, they will not be renewed after expiry; instead, e-passports will be issued in their place.
Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi had previously decided during a meeting at the Passport Headquarters in June 2026 to fully transition to e-passports with the aim of eliminating fake passports and fraud.
Orders regarding this policy have been sent to all passport offices within the country and Pakistani embassies abroad. E-passport fees will be charged based on the number of pages and validity period:
- Normal fee for a 36-page e-passport valid for 5 years: Rs9,000
- Urgent fee: Rs15,000
- Normal fee for a 72-page e-passport valid for 5 years: Rs16,500
- Urgent fee: Rs27,000
It's worth noting that an e-passport is a highly secure travel document containing an electronic contactless NFC chip. The chip stores the citizen’s biometric data, facial details, identification number, and digital signature. Prepared in accordance with International Civil Aviation Organization standards, the passport will enable holders to use e-gates at airports worldwide, reducing delays in immigration queues.