ISLAMABAD: The Directorate General of Immigration and Passports has set October 23 as the new date for mandatory electronic passport issuance across Pakistan.
Under the revised policy, all passport offices in the country and Pakistani diplomatic missions abroad will begin issuing e passports, phasing out the older machine readable format.
The move is part of a broader modernisation of travel documents, with the electronic passports carrying enhanced security features designed to reduce forgery and speed up processing at borders.
The change has been in the works for some time, with authorities adjusting the rollout schedule to ensure offices are prepared for the transition.
Applicants are advised to check with their local passport office for specific requirements and processing timelines as the new system takes effect.
