Decline in Passport Issuance Despite Surge in Travel Interest Among Pakistanis
Despite an increasing interest in international travel among Pakistanis, 2024 saw a decline in the total number of passports issued compared to the previous year.
According to Passport Director General (DG) Mustafa Jamal Qazi, 6,596,520 passports were issued in 2024, a drop from 6,717,938 in 2023, marking a shortfall of 121,418.
Notably, there was a significant rise in the adoption of e-passports, with 257,398 issued during the year, while 252,141 applications were processed online.
The overall revenue from passport fees contributed Rs47.65 billion to the national exchequer in 2024.
Data revealed that 5,206,234 passports were issued to citizens residing in Pakistan, while 715,074 were obtained by overseas Pakistanis.
Women were the highest recipients, with 9,659,312 passports issued to them. In comparison, 1,768,341 men and 523 transgender individuals obtained passports during the year.
The issuance process saw 3,056,427 new passports and 2,541,170 renewals completed in 2024.
DG Qazi acknowledged delays in the issuance process earlier in the year but noted significant improvements, ensuring citizens now receive their passports within the designated timeframe.
The report highlights the evolving dynamics of travel documentation in Pakistan, with a growing preference for digital solutions reflecting global trends.
