The Directorate General of Immigration and Passports set to overhaul the passport policy for married women in Pakistan. This decision follows the establishment of a committee aimed at addressing the current requirement for married women to indicate their husband’s name on their passports, rather than their father’s.
Director General Mustafa Jamal Kazi’s Announcement
In a recent interview with a private news channel, Director General of Immigration and Passports, Mustafa Jamal Kazi, revealed that the committee is tasked with proposing solutions to align the policies of the National Database and Registration Authority (NADRA) with those of the passport issuing authority. The goal is to resolve the disparities and address the discrimination concerns that many women have raised.
Current Policy and Issues
Under the current policy, the passports of married women display their husband’s name instead of their father’s. This has been a point of contention for many, who argue that the policy is discriminatory. Women have reported facing difficulties, particularly when traveling with their children, due to this requirement.
Proposed Changes and Objectives
Although Director General Kazi did not detail the specific changes expected, he emphasized that the new policy would aim to eliminate confusion and streamline the identification process for women. The committee’s recommendations will be pivotal in shaping this revised policy.
Implications for Women in Pakistan
The anticipated policy change seen as a significant step toward gender equality in Pakistan. By allowing women to choose whose name appears on their passport, the new policy will offer greater flexibility and respect for women’s preferences and circumstances.
Next Steps
The committee will review the current practices and propose a revised policy. Once adopted, this policy expected to simplify the passport issuance process for married women, ensuring consistency between NADRA and the passport authority.
Stay tuned for further updates as the committee finalizes recommendations and the new policy is officially announced. This change marks a progressive move toward addressing gender disparities in official documentation in Pakistan.
