Doorstep Passport Delivery, AI Chatbot Coming Soon in Pakistan – DGIP Announces Major Digital Reforms

Pakistan’s Directorate General of Immigration and Passports (DGIP) is preparing to launch major digital reforms, including a doorstep passport delivery service and an AI-based chatbot, aimed at improving public convenience and reducing reliance on physical passport office counters.

The initiatives are part of a wider plan to modernise service delivery, cut delays and move towards a more digital and cashless system, says Muhammad Ali Randhawa, Director General of Passports.

Doorstep Passport Delivery Service Planned

DGIP is currently working towards implementing a system where people can obtain their passports at their home address.

The service will be introduced in collaboration with a courier service and will initially be available in Pakistan. The applicants who choose to avail this facility will be charged nominal courier charges. Islamabad will be the first to be dispatched and, in the next phase, the expansion is to be rolled out across the country.

The officials also revealed that the service will also be soon expanded for overseas Pakistanis in a gradual manner.

AI Chatbot to Assist Passport Applicants

An AI chatbot is also being developed to assist applicants with questions and services pertaining to their passports.

The chatbot will provide assistance regarding:

• Application procedures
• Required documentation
• Application status tracking
• General information and guidance

The system will ease the strain on call centres and give citizens quicker and better assistance, authorities said.

Full Online Passport Application System Under Consideration

In addition, DGIP is reviewing plans to implement a fully digital passport application process as part of its digital reforms.

The proposed system may include:

• Online submission of applications
• Upload of documents and photographs
• Mobile application-based processing
• Integration with existing government digital platforms

The officials are thinking of either creating an app like Pak-ID by NADRA or introducing the passport services to the already existing apps.

Digital Transformation of Passport Services

According to officials these reforms go hand-in-hand with Pakistan’s e-governance and digital public service delivery campaign. The aim is to cut down wait times, increase transparency and increase the availability of passport services for all citizens throughout the country.