From 23 October 2026, Pakistan and its diplomatic missions abroad are issuing only e-passports for new passport applications and renewals, after the Directorate General of Immigration and Passports (DGI&P) discontinued the issuance of machine-readable passports (MRPs).
What happened?
The 22-year-old machine-readable passport system has been phased out, and all passport offices across Pakistan and Pakistani diplomatic missions abroad are now issuing only e-passports. An earlier date of 15 October for ending MRP issuance was later extended, and MRP applications and renewals remained available until 22 October.
Key details
- Citizens who already hold a machine-readable passport can keep using it until its expiry date and do not need to replace it immediately just because of the change.
- Once an existing MRP expires, it will not be renewed as a machine-readable document, and the holder will have to apply for an e-passport instead.
- E-passports contain an electronic chip that stores the holder’s personal and biometric information, and the authorities say the technology is intended to improve identity verification and reduce forgery.
- Pakistan began issuing e-passports in March 2022, initially for diplomats and residents of Islamabad, and in August 2023 all citizens were given the option of choosing between an MRP and an e-passport.
- Machine-readable passports themselves date back to 2004 and replaced handwritten passports.
What it means for people in Pakistan
Anyone applying for a new passport or renewing an expiring one will now receive an e-passport, so applicants should plan for the e-passport process rather than expecting an MRP. Holders of a valid MRP do not need to rush to replace it, but they should check how much validity remains, since many destinations require a passport to be valid for several months beyond a trip. Before applying, confirm the current fees and procedure with the relevant passport office or Pakistani diplomatic mission.
Source: https://www.thenews.pk/print/1444838-pakistan-switches-to-e-passports-ends-machine-readable-system
