Pakistan has officially ended the issuance of machine-readable passports, shifting to an e-passport-only system from October 23, 2026.
According to the Directorate General of Immigration and Passports, new passport applicants in Pakistan and at Pakistani missions abroad will now receive electronic passports instead of the traditional machine-readable version.
The new e-passports contain an electronic chip that securely stores personal and biometric information, helping strengthen identity verification and passport security.
However, people who already hold valid machine-readable passports do not need to replace them immediately. Their existing passports will remain valid until the expiry date printed on the document.
The transition is part of Pakistan’s efforts to modernise passport services and improve travel-document security.
Citizens applying for a new passport should check the latest fees and application requirements before visiting a passport office.
