Pakistan will cease issuing machine-readable passports (MRPs) starting October 15, 2026, completing its transition to electronic passports (e-passports) for all new passport applicants both domestically and abroad. This shift applies to all Pakistani passport offices as well as diplomatic missions overseas, including those in Gulf countries such as the United Arab Emirates and Saudi Arabia, which have significant Pakistani expatriate populations.

The Directorate General of Immigration and Passports (DGI & P) has instructed domestic passport offices and international consulates to implement the new e-passport system by the October deadline. Existing machine-readable passports will remain valid until their individual expiration dates and do not require replacement before then. However, once an MRP expires, holders will need to obtain an e-passport for renewal.

An e-passport contains an embedded electronic chip that stores identity and passport information. This chip can be read by compatible immigration systems, enabling faster electronic verification and processing at border control points. Pakistan has been progressively introducing e-passports in recent years, but the cut-off date marks the full discontinuation of the older machine-readable format.

Officials state the move reflects the government’s broader objective of modernizing the country’s passport system and enhancing travel facilitation for Pakistani citizens worldwide. By adopting e-passports, the administration aims to reduce processing times and strengthen security measures associated with passport issuance and verification.

For overseas Pakistanis, the change means that new passport applications or renewals submitted to Pakistani embassies or consulates will also follow the e-passport protocol. Applicants are advised to monitor announcements from their respective diplomatic missions for details on application procedures, fees, and processing timelines under the updated system.

While the transition will standardize travel documents for Pakistani nationals globally, authorities emphasize that it does not invalidate current passports prior to their expiry. This approach seeks to minimize disruption for travelers while ensuring a smooth migration to the new technology in the coming months.