Delivery counters to remain open on Saturday and Sunday at Passport offices across Pakistan
Passport delivery counters across the country will remain open on Saturdays and Sundays as well.
According to DG Passport Mustafa Jamal Qazi from Islamabad, the aim of the initiative is to provide convenience to Hajj pilgrims. Director General Passport and Immigration added that the counters will be open on Saturdays and Sundays from March 2 to 31.
He further said that people can contact for passports even on holidays from 9 to 1 pm.
Passport Policy
The Government of Pakistan issues passport to its bonafide citizens to facilitate their journey and provide them protection while travelling in foreign countries through the good offices of Pakistan Diplomatic Missions. Accordingly, the holder of a valid Pakistan passport, when in a foreign country, is entitled to the protection of diplomatic and consular representative of Pakistan in that country.
Passport is the only document that confirms the identity of the citizen abroad of the Republic of Pakistan, as well as, realizes his/her right to exit from the country and entry into the country.
Passport Types
The Passport Act 1974, Passport Rules 2021 & SRO No. 1139(1)/2023/Passport Amendment Rules, 2021 regulate the issuance of passports. Passports are issued in two major types:
- Machine-Readable Passport (MRP)
- e-Passport
Each type is further divided into the following sub types:
- Ordinary Passport
- Official Passport
- Diplomatic Passport
- Emergency Travel Document
1. Ordinary Passport
Ordinary Passport is issued to all Citizens of Pakistan for travel abroad, subject to completion of all codal formalities.
- Requirements for Ordinary Passport
- For ages 18 & above
- For ages under 18 / Minor
2. Official Passport
Official passports are issued to Pakistani Nationals who are Senators, MNAs, Provincial Ministers, Judges of the Supreme Court of Pakistan/High Courts, Officers serving with the Government and proceeding abroad on official assignments etc. in pursuance of Schedule-III of Passport Rules 2021 & SRO No. 1139(1)/2023/Passport Amendment Rules, 2021.
SOP for Official Passport
As per SOP the designated Officer of the concerned Ministry/Division/Dept. will forward the recommendatory letter, through their representative, for issuance of official passport to official/officer, mentioning the purpose of visit abroad, duration and the countries to be visited, supported with the following documents:
- CNIC and official Pass/Card of the applicant and the authorized officer.
- Attested copy of the final selection letter of course/training/posting/deputation/secondment.
- Any Last passport held by the applicant.
The Directorate General of Immigration & Passports will convey authorization to concerned RPO/Foreign Mission according to the location of the applicant, under intimation to the recommending authority.
The applicant will visit the relevant Passport Office/Foreign Mission for capturing of data and photograph along with authorization letter, issued by Directorate General and CNIC, last passport (if issued) in original and its copies. The Official Passports are delivered after four working days.
3. Diplomatic Passport
Diplomatic passports are issued to the dignitaries of the State, Diplomats and other entitled categories in pursuance of Schedule-IV of Passport Rules 2021 & SRO No. 1139(1)/2023/Passport Amendment Rules, 2021.
Approval of Diplomatic Passports is the responsibility of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Machine Readable Diplomatic Passports shall be processed and issued by Directorate General of Immigration & Passports (Headquarters), Islamabad based on authorization issued by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
4. Emergency Travel Document
Emergency Travel Document (ETD) is issued to Pakistanis abroad in case of emergency, in order to travel back to Pakistan one time. For more information see SOP of Emergency Travel Document (ETD).
Expansion of Fast Track Passport Service
Directorate General Immigration & Passports has expanded the Fast Track Passport Service across 14 more cities, in addition to 7 major cities previously. Now this service is available in 21 cities across Pakistan.
City
- Islamabad
- Rawalpindi
- Lahore
- Multan
- Peshawar
- Karachi
- Quetta
- Gujranwala
- Faisalabad
- Sialkot
- Gujrat
- Sheikhupura
- Mandi-bahauddin
- Narowal
- Toba-Tek-Singh
- Jhelum
- Mardaan
- Sukkur
- Hyderabad
- Pishin
- Mastung