Pakistan will stop issuing machine-readable passports (MRPs) from 23 October 2026, with authorities switching exclusively to electronic passports (e-Passports), according to the Directorate General of Immigration and Passports.
According to the directorate, all passport offices across Pakistan and Pakistani diplomatic missions abroad would issue only e-Passports to new applicants from that date.
The transition to the new system was initially scheduled to begin on 15 October 2026, but was subsequently postponed to 23 October 2026.
Under the revised policy, machine-readable passports will no longer be issued once the new deadline takes effect.
Pakistani diplomatic missions abroad have also issued formal notices regarding the change.