New Document Issues

One new document issue to report this month.

Pakistan ePassport

Pakistan has launched its first-ever ePassport, with a microchip embedded in the cover and modern security features integrated throughout its pages which meet ICAO standards.

The Director General Immigration and Passport (DGI&P) announced that the ‘highly secure travel document embedded with a microchip which contains biometric information … can be used to authenticate the identity of the passport holder.’ DGI&P also emphasized that the new system will streamline travel as Pakistani passport holders will benefit from the eGate facility at airports around the world. Furthermore, the new system will help the immigration department curb the use of fraudulent documents—a major source of crime in Pakistan.

Some of the security features integrated into Pakistan’s ePassport are highlighted below.

Secure Passport Hinge.

Optical Variable Ink (OVI).

Multiple Laser Printing (MLI).

From 16 August 2023, the ePassport issuance facility was available from all field offices across the country. DGI&P started issuing ePassports in 2022, initially for the Diplomatic and Official Categories as a soft launch and then only for residents of the capital city, Islamabad. The facility to issue ePassports will be extended to Foreign Missions in due course.