Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi announced on Wednesday that Pakistan has transitioned to cashless transactions at all passport offices nationwide, effective immediately. The move is part of a broader digitalisation drive to modernise immigration services and curb fraud.
Cashless System Goes Live
In a post on X, Naqvi stated: "Starting today, cashless transactions are operational at all passport offices across Pakistan. Applicants no longer need to stand in long queues or wait for hours to make payments. This important reform was initiated on the directions of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and our team has successfully delivered it." The new system shifts payments to the Pak-ID platform, replacing cash and eliminating the need for physical queues.
Background of Digitalisation
On June 19, the government decided to digitalise the passport issuance system as part of sweeping reforms. The interior ministry had earlier announced that the cashless payment system introduced in passport offices and the online portal would be integrated with Pak-ID. Naqvi highlighted that the move would expedite services, ensure transparency, and provide convenience to citizens. He congratulated the team and said "many more milestones" lie ahead.
E-Passports and Digital Payments
A week earlier, Director General of Immigration and Passports Muhammad Ali Randhawa said the country would gradually transition to issuing only electronic passports (e-passports). Cash payments for passport fees were abolished from July 1 in favour of a QR code-based digital payment system. The decision was made on June 23 during a high-level meeting chaired by Randhawa at the headquarters in Islamabad.
Mobile App and Doorstep Delivery
The meeting was informed that the Directorate General of Immigration and Passports will soon launch a dedicated passport mobile app, enabling Pakistani citizens at home and abroad to apply for passports online from their homes. Applicants will also be able to receive passports at their doorstep, with TCS and DHL engaged to provide delivery services. Officials said the initiative will significantly reduce congestion at passport offices.
