In a significant development, Pakistan has officially commenced the issuance of electronic passports (e-passports) across the nation. The Passport and Immigration Department has introduced this modern initiative to enhance the efficiency and security of travel documentation.
Convenient Features and Fee Structure
Travellers will now experience a seamless immigration process at major international airports, including Islamabad, Lahore, and Karachi, with the installation of e-gates or smart gates. These gates are designed to facilitate quick and secure passage for individuals possessing the newly introduced e-passports.
The e-passports come in two variants – a 36-page passport and a more extensive 72-page version. For a standard 36-page e-passport valid for five years, the fee is set at Rs. 9,000, while the urgent issuance is available at Rs. 15,000. A 10-year e-passport with the same page count carries a standard fee of Rs. 13,000 and an urgent fee of Rs. 22,000.
For those opting for the 72-page e-passport, the fees stand at Rs. 15,000 for a five-year validity and Rs. 27,000 for an urgent issuance. The 10-year validity 72-page e-passport is priced at Rs. 24,750 as the standard fee and Rs. 40,000 for urgent issuance.
The convenience of obtaining an e-passport is extended to any passport office within Pakistan. Utilizing cutting-edge technology, the new e-passports boast more than 20 security features, ensuring the integrity and authenticity of the travel document.
Global Expansion of E-Passport Services
This groundbreaking initiative isn’t limited to Pakistan’s borders. Soon, the process of issuing e-passports will extend to Pakistani embassies in various countries, including Europe and America. This move aims to provide Pakistani citizens residing abroad with the same advanced travel documentation services.
In summary, the initiation of e-passport issuance in Pakistan marks a pivotal step towards modernizing travel documentation. With enhanced security features and streamlined immigration processes, the introduction of e-passports is set to redefine the travel experience for Pakistani citizens, both domestically and internationally.
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