Major Change Announced for Pakistan’s Passport System

The Directorate General Immigration and Passports (DGI&P) will stop issuing new Machine-Readable Passports (MRPs) from October 15, 2026, and issue only e-Passports, according to Samaa News.

Applicants will remain able to obtain new MRPs until October 14, 2026. However, authorities will not renew those passports after they expire.

DGI&P has informed passport offices across Pakistan about the decision through a circular and directed relevant staff at Pakistani missions abroad to implement the new policy.

The department has also instructed the concerned offices to inform applicants about the change.

The shift to e-Passports will provide travelers with faster immigration clearance and other facilities.