Pakistan to enter e-passport era soon: Sheikh Rashid

Islamabad: Interior Minister Sheikh Rashid Ahmed Wednesday said that Asia's first ever e-passport service will start in Pakistan in the beginning of next year.

He was addressing a ceremony in Islamabad to launch important initiatives by Directorate General of Immigration and Passports.  

The initiatives included revamping online passport facility, fast track delivery service at zonal offices, upgradation of website of Director General of Immigration and Passports and inauguration of its official logo.

Interior Minister said this online facility will enable people get their passports at home without travelling and waiting in queues at passport offices.

"Passport delivery service has been revamped and now one can get it within twenty four hours," he added.

The Federal Minister said online facility is also being given for renunciation of citizenship and getting emergency travel documents.

He said online passport service is being provided in 191 countries.

He said we are fully focusing on National Action Plan and stern action will be taken against those who are defaming the country internationally.   

The Minister said ten million overseas Pakistanis across the world are happy with the government's initiative of EVMs and the government is fully focused to further facilitate them as per the vision of Prime Minister Imran Khan. He said strict action will be taken against those Pakistanis having dual passports.

He said two thousand police personnel will be recruited to strengthen Islamabad police force.

With the issuance of the e-Passport the whole process of the immigration formalities will be completed through online. 

In January 2020, Bangladesh entered e-Passport era as the first country in South Asia with the formal opening of the electronic passport services.