ISLAMABAD (Kashmir English): The Pakistani passport has made its way into the top 100 rankings in the latest Henley Passport Index, with visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to 32 countries around the world. While the overall ranking remains on the lower side, this update brings a slight improvement in global mobility for Pakistani citizens.
According to the latest rankings released by Henley & Partners, the Pakistani passport now holds the 100th spot, a substantial leap from its 113th position in 2021, granting visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to 32 countries.
Director General of Immigration and Passports, Mustafa Jamal Qazi, congratulated the nation on this achievement, crediting the progress to the unwavering support of Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi and the Secretary of Interior.
Qazi highlighted the introduction of advanced security features in Pakistani passports, including e-passports with contactless NFC chips, which comply with the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) standards. These enhancements have bolstered the passport’s credibility and global mobility.
To further facilitate travellers, Qazi announced that e-gates will soon be operational at all major airports in Pakistan, streamlining immigration processes for e-passport holders. Additionally, the Directorate General of Immigration and Passports has eliminated the nationwide passport backlog, ensuring timely processing for applicants.
For overseas Pakistanis, online passport services have been introduced, and the “Passport Fee Asaan” app allows applicants to pay fees in seconds. Qazi also revealed plans for a forthcoming passport app that will enable citizens to apply for passports from the comfort of their homes.
On the global list, countries like Singapore, Japan, and South Korea remain at the top, offering access to nearly 190 destinations. In comparison, the Pakistani passport still faces major restrictions, making international travel challenging for its citizens.
However, the inclusion in the top 100 is seen as a positive step forward. With the right diplomatic efforts and improved internal policies, there is hope that the Pakistani passport could gain better standing in the years to come.
