ISLAMABAD: Pakistan has ended the issuance of machine-readable passports (MRPs) from today, October 23, 2026, with all passport offices across the country and Pakistani missions abroad switching to e-passports for new applicants.
The Directorate General of Immigration and Passports announced the change in a public notice on its official X account. The transition, initially scheduled for October 15, was postponed to October 23, allowing MRPs to be issued and renewed until October 22.
Existing machine-readable passports will remain valid until their printed expiry dates. Holders do not need to replace them before expiry. However, applicants seeking a new passport or renewing an expired MRP will be issued an e-passport under the new system.
The shift aims to modernise passport services, strengthen document security and bring Pakistan’s travel documents in line with international standards. E-passports contain an electronic chip that stores biometric and personal information, helping improve verification and reduce the risk of forgery.
The change also means higher passport fees for applicants. A normal 36-page e-passport valid for five years costs Rs9,000, compared with Rs4,500 for the equivalent machine-readable passport. The urgent processing fee has increased to Rs15,000 from Rs7,500, while fast-track charges have also been revised.
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Pakistani diplomatic missions abroad have issued notices about the transition. The Embassy of Pakistan in Doha, for instance, said it would continue issuing machine-readable passports until October 22 and begin issuing e-passports from October 25.
Pakistan introduced e-passports on a limited basis in 2022 and expanded their availability in 2023. The latest move marks the end of the machine-readable passport issuance system, which had been in use for more than two decades.
