Pakistan to Launch Chip-Enabled E-Passport

Pakistan is a generously populated country, amounting to 221 million people as of 2021. Over 50 million of the population includes individuals that are passport holders. Moving towards the up-gradation of this department, Pakistan has taken the step to evolve as one of the first countries to introduce chip-enabled passports. These passports are meant to be more secure and contain a chip to connect the airport’s system to the passengers’ information.

The Director-General of Immigration and Passport, Naeem Rauf, announced that there are going to be 180 passport centers in Pakistan and 292 global facilities, he said in a meeting. According to the reports, there are currently 71 passport offices around the country that are implementing the single window system.

According to the data, in the fiscal year 2020-2021, there were around 2,406,295 passports issued. There were 9,037 passports that were placed in the category ‘B’ also called the blacklist in the same year. According to the statement issued by the Director-General of Immigration and Passports, the department generates revenue of Rs 24 billion in a year.

The members present at the meeting raised the point of time which is required for the visa process including variation. They agreed on the fact that the time needed for the visa process must be established. To conclude the meeting the Chairman committee presented the directorate the Note of Appreciation to acknowledge the efforts.