Pakistan to allow home-based passport applications

The federal government has approved a major digital facilitation initiative allowing citizens to apply for passports from the comfort of their homes, marking a significant step toward modernising public service delivery.

The decision was taken in a high-level meeting chaired by Director General Passports Muhammad Ali Randhawa, where a technical team from NADRA also participated. The meeting reviewed the existing passport issuance system in detail and discussed a range of reforms aimed at aligning it with modern digital standards.

Officials briefed the meeting on ongoing efforts to upgrade the current infrastructure and integrate new technologies to improve efficiency, transparency, and accessibility. Under the new reforms, citizens will soon be able to submit passport applications online without the need to physically visit passport offices, significantly reducing processing time and public inconvenience.

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The initiative is part of the interior ministry’s broader vision to digitise essential public services and improve governance through technology-driven solutions. The DG Passports emphasized that the upgraded system will not only streamline application procedures but also reduce overcrowding at passport offices and improve service delivery across the country.

The meeting also reviewed policy adjustments required to support the digital transition, including system security, data integration with NADRA, and verification processes to ensure document authenticity. Officials stressed that the new system would maintain strict safeguards to prevent misuse while enhancing user convenience.

According to officials, the home-based application facility will initially be rolled out in phases, with further expansion planned after testing and system optimisation. The government is expected to formally announce the launch timeline once final technical preparations are completed.

Authorities believe this reform will significantly benefit overseas Pakistanis, working professionals, and citizens in remote areas by making passport services more accessible and efficient.