The 2025 Pakistani Passport: What’s Actually New?
While the current e-Passport (rolled out in 2023) is already a high-tech document, 2025 has been a year of significant procedural and service-oriented improvements. The most substantial design and security overhaul is slated for 2026, but the 2025 updates directly impact service accessibility and inclusivity.
Here are the key changes implemented in 2025:
1. Progressive Change: Inclusion of Mother’s Name
In a major progressive reform in 2025, the Government of Pakistan began including the mother’s name alongside the father’s name on all newly issued and renewed passports. This move aligns Pakistan’s travel documents with international documentation standards and is a significant step toward greater inclusivity.
2. Service Expansion: Fast Track Extended to 26 More Cities
The Directorate General of Immigration & Passports (DGI&P) officially announced on January 6, 2025, that the Fast Track passport service has been extended to 26 more cities across the country. This is a massive update for citizens outside the major metropolitan hubs, drastically reducing the waiting time for those willing to use the premium service.
3. Procedural Update: Uniform Photo Waived for Armed Forces
On February 25, 2025, a procedural update was made for members of the Armed Forces. The requirement for a uniform photograph on ordinary passports was waived, streamlining the application process for service members.
Understanding Your e-Passport’s Current Security Features
Many Pakistanis are now holding the e-Passport, which is a globally-compliant travel document. The term “new security features” often refers to this e-Passport system, which is now the standard. These features are designed to make the Pakistani passport one of the most secure in the region, adhering strictly to ICAO (International Civil Aviation Organization) standards.
The Biometric Chip: The Heart of the e-Passport
The most critical security feature is the electronic microprocessor chip embedded in the polycarbonate data page (the stiff, plastic identity page).
- What it holds: This chip electronically stores the same information that is printed on the data page: the holder’s name, date of birth, and other biographic details.
- Facial Biometrics: Crucially, it also holds your high-resolution facial biometric data. This is what allows for rapid and highly accurate identity verification at e-gates in airports around the world.
- Data Protection: The chip is protected by Basic Access Control (BAC), which means its data can only be read by authorized scanners after the Machine Readable Zone (MRZ) at the bottom of the page is scanned. This prevents unauthorized “skimming” of your data.
Advanced Polycarbonate Data Page
The old, bendable paper page is gone. The e-Passport features a rigid polycarbonate data page that is virtually impossible to tamper with.
- Laser Engraving: Your photograph and personal details are not printed with ink but are laser-engraved into the multiple layers of the card.
- Tamper-Proof: Any attempt to alter the photograph or text (e.g., changing a date or name) will visibly destroy the page, immediately invalidating the passport.
Multi-Layered Visual & Covert Security
In addition to the chip, the passport is layered with numerous security features, many of which are invisible to the naked eye.
- Holographic Overlays: The data page features complex holographic images that change when tilted in the light.
- UV Elements: When placed under an ultraviolet (UV) light, intricate patterns and text become visible across the passport pages, a key check used by border agents.
- Invisible Security Threads: Similar to high-value currency, security threads are woven into the paper.
- Micro-text Printing: Tiny text, unreadable without a magnifying glass, is integrated into the design, which is extremely difficult for counterfeiters to replicate.
The Future: Pakistan’s New Passport Design (Announced for 2026)
The biggest buzz is about the next generation of the passport. In late 2024 and early 2025, the government announced its approval for a complete redesign of the Pakistani passport, with an expected rollout in 2026.
This redesign is not just cosmetic; it represents the next leap in security.
- A Fusion of Culture and Technology: The new passport will feature a modern, artistic layout showcasing Pakistan’s cultural and historical landmarks from all four provinces.
- Upgraded Biometric Chip: It will house an upgraded, more secure chip with enhanced encryption.
- Advanced Anti-Forgery Systems: The new design will incorporate cutting-edge anti-forgery measures and invisible security markings.
- Digital Verification Compatibility: A key goal is to make the passport fully compatible with the next generation of international digital border verification systems, further speeding up travel.
Official Pakistani Passport Fee Structure 2025 (Updated 2024)
This is one of the most critical pieces of information for applicants. The official fees for 2025 were set by the DGI&P revisions in March and May of 2024. These rates are currently in effect.
The fees are structured based on page count (36, 72, or 100), validity (5 or 10 years), and processing speed (Normal, Urgent, or Fast Track).
Official Inland MRP Fee (5-Year Validity)
| Page Count | Normal Fee (PKR) | Urgent Fee (PKR) |
|---|---|---|
| 36 Pages | Rs. 4,500 | Rs. 7,500 |
| 72 Pages | Rs. 8,200 | Rs. 13,500 |
| 100 Pages | Rs. 9,000 | Rs. 18,000 |
Official Inland MRP Fee (10-Year Validity)
| Page Count | Normal Fee (PKR) | Urgent Fee (PKR) |
|---|---|---|
| 36 Pages | Rs. 6,700 | Rs. 11,200 |
| 72 Pages | Rs. 12,400 | Rs. 20,200 |
| 100 Pages | Rs. 13,500 | Rs. 27,000 |
Fast Track Service Fees (Inland)
The Fast Track service delivers the passport in a matter of days. As of January 2025, this service is available in an expanded list of 26+ cities.
| Page Count | 5-Year Validity (PKR) | 10-Year Validity (PKR) |
|---|---|---|
| 36 Pages | Rs. 12,500 | Rs. 16,200 |
| 72 Pages | Rs. 18,500 | Rs. 25,200 |
| 100 Pages | Rs. 23,000 | Rs. 32,000 |
Note: Fees for overseas Pakistanis are set in USD, SAR, AED, or other local currencies and can be found on the respective embassy or consulate websites.
How to Apply for Your Passport in 2025
The process for getting a passport has been significantly streamlined.
- Online Application (Renewal): The DGI&P e-Services Portal allows many citizens to renew their passports entirely online without visiting an office. This is the most convenient method.
- In-Person Application (New/Modification): For new passports, modifications, or those who cannot use the online portal, you must visit a Regional Passport Office (RPO) or Executive Passport Office (EPO).
- PAK ID Single Sign-On (SSO): The government is integrating its services. Using your PAK ID (from NADRA) provides a single, secure login to access multiple government portals, including the passport e-Services, making the digital process smoother and more secure.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q1: What is the main Pakistani passport update in 2025?
The main updates in 2025 are procedural and service-based. This includes the expansion of the Fast Track service to 26 more cities and the inclusion of the mother’s name on the passport. The major security/design update is planned for 2026.
Q2: Is the e-Passport available everywhere in Pakistan?
Yes. As of late 2023, the DGI&P has successfully rolled out the e-Passport issuance facility to all passport offices across Pakistan.
Q3: What is the 2025 fee for a 10-year, 36-page normal passport?
The official fee, as per the latest DGI&P schedule, is Rs. 6,700.
Q4: Can I renew my Pakistani passport online in 2025?
Yes, the inland and overseas online passport renewal facility is fully operational. It is the recommended method for simple renewals.
Conclusion
The Pakistani passport system is firmly in its modern, electronic era. The 2025 updates have focused on making this advanced system more accessible and inclusive for all citizens. With a clear understanding of the current e-Passport’s powerful security features and the official 2025 fee structure, you can confidently navigate the application or renewal process. All eyes are now on 2026, which promises to deliver a world-class travel document that blends national pride with next-generation security.
This video discusses the online application process and features of the Pakistani e-passport system.
