Pakistan Unveils Digital Overhaul of Passport Services Nationwide

Director General of Immigration and Passports Muhammad Ali Randhawa on Friday announced a sweeping digital transformation drive aimed at modernizing Pakistan's passport system. The plan includes a new passport mobile app, a home delivery service, and a QR code-based digital payment system. Officials said the initiative is designed to make passport services faster, more transparent, and free from middlemen and illegal practices.

The announcement comes as Pakistan's passport was ranked the fourth worst in the Henley Passport Index 2024 Global Ranking, according to AFP. Randhawa said the reforms are being carried out under the directives of Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi as part of a broader push toward citizen-friendly governance.

New Mobile App to Simplify Passport Applications

Randhawa said the upcoming mobile application will allow citizens to apply for and renew passports directly from their phones. He added that applicants will also be able to track the status of their applications and access other essential services through the app.

The official said the goal of the app is to reduce dependency on physical visits to passport offices and to streamline the overall application process for the public.

Tracking and Renewal Features

According to Randhawa, the app will integrate features for real-time application tracking alongside renewal services, allowing users to monitor their passport status without visiting a regional office in person.

Home Delivery Service to Reduce Office Visits

As part of the reforms, the department is working on introducing a home delivery facility for completed passports. Randhawa said this would allow applicants to receive their documents at their doorstep instead of returning to passport offices for collection.

He said the measure is intended to ease the burden on applicants, particularly those living far from passport offices or unable to make repeated trips.

QR Code Payment System to Curb Illegal Practices

Randhawa said a QR code-based digital payment system will soon be rolled out to make transactions more secure and transparent. He said the system is expected to help eliminate the involvement of middlemen and reduce opportunities for corruption within the passport process.

The DG said this digital payment mechanism is a central part of the department's broader effort to ensure applicants are not exploited during the application process.

Aligning With Government Directives

Randhawa said the reforms are being implemented on the instructions of Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi, who has prioritized modernization of passport services as part of a wider governance agenda.

Broader Goals of the Digital Transformation Plan

Randhawa said the overall aim of the initiative is to build a passport system that is efficient, transparent, and centered on citizen convenience. He said the use of technology is central to ensuring faster and more reliable services for the public.

He added that the reforms are structured to eliminate corruption and the influence of middlemen, ensuring every applicant is treated fairly and securely throughout the process.

• Mobile app: online applications, renewals, and tracking

• Home delivery: passports delivered directly to applicants

• QR code payments: secure, transparent digital transactions

Randhawa said the department remains committed to expanding these digital services nationwide as the reforms move into implementation.

[Source: geo news]