ISLAMABAD: The federal government has rescinded its previous decision to prohibit the issuance of passports to overseas Pakistanis seeking asylum abroad, a policy that had been implemented just last month.
The decision was made during a high-level session chaired by Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Senator Ishaq Dar , where they reviewed the earlier decision to suspend the issuance of Pakistani passports to asylum seekers abroad.
The session, attended by the secretaries of the ministries of foreign affairs and interior, senior officers, and others, also discussed key issues related to the welfare of overseas nationals, according to a declaration.
A circular concerning the restrictions was issued to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and other relevant authorities on June 5, 2024.
According to the letter, the measure was implemented in “national interest under national security and international commitment.”
Furthermore, Foreign Minister received a briefing from relevant officials on the smooth and timely issuance of travel documents to nationals living abroad.
In today’s session, the federal government decided to issue passports to overseas Pakistanis within 60 days, reflecting a commitment to improving international relations and support for its nationals abroad.
As per private newspaper report, The ban on the issuance of passports to asylum seekers had been imposed by the Passport and Immigration Directorate and was communicated via a letter last month.
It said that Pakistanis who have applied for asylum abroad or who have already received asylum abroad would not be issued passports, the publication reported.
Pakistani nationals preferentially seek asylum in the United Kingdom, the United States, Germany, and Norway.
However, these countries do not share data with the Pakistani government, which prevents direct access for the latter’s immigration authorities to track visa statuses.
As a result, the federal government decided in June to block the issuance of passports to these individuals, citing “national interest.”
