Govt to reverse policy of suspending passport of asylum seekers

Islamabad: Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar on Monday chaired a high-level meeting to discuss the matters related to the welfare of overseas Pakistanis wherein it was decided to reverse the policy decision of suspending the issuance of passports to Pakistani nationals seeking asylum abroad.

“The meeting discussed in detail the recent policy decision that was taken vide circular dated June 5, 2024 for not issuing passports to any individual who had sought asylum or already living on asylum abroad. It was decided to reverse the policy decision with immediate effect and to withdraw the circular of June 5,” according to a press release.

The meeting was attended by the foreign secretary, interior secretary, Director General of Immigration and Passports (IMPASS), and senior officers of the foreign ministry.

The meeting also discussed the issues relating to delays in the issuance of passports to Pakistanis living abroad.

The interior secretary and Director General of IMPASS briefed the deputy prime minister about the ongoing efforts to streamline the process.

It was decided that the Ministry of Interior and IMPASS will take immediate necessary steps to upgrade the infrastructure and equipment within the next 45 days and to accelerate the clearance of the entire backlog relating to the issuance of passports to overseas Pakistanis.