Machine Readable Passports to Be Discontinued Within a Month

The National Assembly was informed on Friday, October 16, that the government has decided to discontinue Machine Readable Passports and move entirely to electronic passports (e-passports). Minister for Parliamentary Affairs Tariq Fazal Chaudhary said during Question Hour that issuance of Machine Readable Passports will end within a month, after which passport offices and Pakistan missions abroad will issue only e-passports.

Existing Passports

Machine Readable Passports that have already been issued will remain valid until their expiry dates.

Why E-Passports

The minister said the e-passport has advanced security features, including an embedded electronic chip holding the holder’s biometric and personal data. This strengthens identity verification and helps prevent forgery, tampering and fraudulent use.

Other Question Hour Updates

• Minister of State for Overseas Pakistanis Mohammad Awn Saqlain said action has been taken to curb illegal immigration, and MoUs have been signed, including with Italy, to promote legal pathways for Pakistani workers.

• Parliamentary Secretary Kiran Imran Dar said 4.473 million international tourists visited Pakistan in the last two years, with arrivals rising gradually, and that steps are being taken to promote investment in tourism infrastructure.

• Two bills were laid before the House: the National Book Foundation Amendment Bill, 2026 and the Pakistan Climate Change Amendment Bill, 2026. The House will meet again on Monday at 5pm.