
An undated image of a Pakistani passport. — Freepik
The year 2024 witnessed a surprising decline in passport issuance, with 121,418 fewer documents issued compared to 2023, according to the passport directorate’s announcement made on Wednesday.
However, a sharp rise in e-passport applications reflects Pakistanis’ growing preference for modern, efficient services.
Passport Director General Mustafa Jamal Qazi shared that 6,596,520 passports were issued in 2024, compared to 6,717,938 in 2023.
On the other hand, women led the way, obtaining 9,659,312 passports, while 1,768,341 men and 523 transgender individuals also received their travel documents.
However, in total, 3,056,427 new passports were issued, while 2,541,170 renewals were processed. Among these, 715,074 passports were given to overseas Pakistanis, while 5,206,234 were issued to residents in the country.
Online services saw an uptick with 252,141 passports processed via the internet, and 257,398 citizens opted for e-passports.
Notably, the year also brought financial gains for the government, with Rs47.6 billion collected in passport fees. Citizens initially faced delays in obtaining their passports, but the situation improved later in the year.
Furthermore, DG said that e-passports and online processing show a growing preference for digital solutions. For 2024, the demand for travel documents, especially among women, highlights Pakistanis’ increasing interest in international travel and connectivity.
With improved processing times and more digital options, the passport system is adapting to meet the rising demand while offering better services.