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Pakistan has stopped issuing Machine-Readable Passports (MRPs) from October 23, 2026, and will now issue only electronic passports, also known as e-passports, to new applicants across the country.
According to the Directorate General of Immigration and Passports, the new policy applies to passport offices throughout Pakistan and Pakistani embassies abroad. The government had initially set October 15 as the deadline to discontinue MRPs but later extended it.
Pakistan to Issue Only E-Passports from October 23, 2026
Authorities continued issuing and renewing machine-readable passports until October 22. From October 23, applicants seeking new passports will receive only e-passports under the updated policy.
Existing Passports Will Remain Valid
The authorities have clarified that people who already hold machine-readable passports do not need to replace them immediately. Existing MRPs will remain valid until their expiry dates.
This means citizens can continue using their current passports for international travel as long as they remain valid. The new policy does not require existing passport holders to apply for e-passports solely because the government has changed the issuance system.
However, applicants seeking new passports will need to follow the updated policy and apply for an electronic passport.
What Is an E-Passport?
An e-passport is a travel document that contains an electronic chip. The chip stores the passport holder’s personal and biometric information, helping authorities verify the holder’s identity more securely.
This technology can improve passport security and make identity verification more reliable. It also helps reduce the risk of passport fraud by adding an electronic layer of protection to the travel document.
With this change, Pakistan is moving towards a fully electronic passport issuance system for new applicants. The policy aims to strengthen the security of travel documents while bringing the country’s passport system in line with modern international practices.
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