Pakistan has announced a major shift in its passport service system, ending cash fee collection at passport offices nationwide and introducing mandatory digital payments starting July 1, 2026.

The decision, which affects all applicants across the country, aims to modernize passport processing and reduce manual transactions. The move was confirmed during a high-level meeting chaired by Director General Immigration and Passports Muhammad Ali Randhawa, where officials reviewed ongoing reforms in the passport system.

Under the new system, applicants will be required to pay passport fees only through digital channels, including QR code-based payment methods. The reform is intended to streamline transactions and improve transparency in public service delivery.

Authorities also said a new passport mobile application will soon be launched, allowing citizens in Pakistan and abroad to apply for passports online. Once processed, passports will be delivered directly to applicants’ homes.

The Directorate General of Immigration and Passports also confirmed a gradual transition toward issuing only electronic passports (e-passports). Officials clarified that existing machine-readable passports (MRPs) will remain valid until their expiry date and will not require immediate replacement.

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