ISLAMABAD (Kashmir English): The Directorate General of Immigration and Passports, Pakistan has decided to introduce a major change in passports in line with international standards.
The Directorate General of Immigration and Passports, which works under the Interior Ministry, will now incorporate the mother’s name alongside the father’s name in Pakistani passports.
Passport decision aligns with international standards
The decision aligns with international standards and addresses societal needs, said Director General of Immigration and Passports, Mustafa Jamal Kazi in an interview.
He said the decision is aimed at meeting international requirements and facilitating citizens facing challenges under the current information provided in the passports.
The change would also address the issues faced by Pakistani women, especially single mothers. Currently, Pakistani Computerised National Identity Cards (CNICs) and passports only include the father’s name, which causes issues, particularly for single mothers raising children alone. It would also help recognize the rights of women.
The absence of the father, in some cases, led to various legal and administrative issues, especially for divorcees. The Director General of Immigration and Passports stated that developed countries have already included the mother’s name in documents, providing greater convenience for citizens internationally.
About the legal status of the existing valid passports, the DG said that current passports will remain valid until their expiry, and the new rule will apply to passports issued henceforth. There is no need to obtain new passports immediately.
