During a National Assembly session chaired by Deputy Speaker Ghulam Mustafa Shah, the government on Thursday openly acknowledged the weak global standing of the Pakistani passport, ranking 103rd worldwide according to the 2025 global index.
Responding during the Question Hour, Federal Minister for Parliamentary Affairs Tariq Fazal Chaudhry stated that the passport’s global respect is not achieved merely by making it “colorful,” but by resolving internal issues and restoring national dignity.
“The respect of the green passport won’t come through appearances, but by putting one’s own house in order,” the minister remarked, acknowledging deficiencies within the passport system.
In a written reply from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, it was revealed that Pakistan’s passport grants visa-free access to only 35 countries, highlighting its limited international influence. The ministry also admitted that in the past, numerous non-Pakistanis — particularly Afghans — were unlawfully issued Pakistani passports, severely damaging its credibility.
Tariq Fazal Chaudhry emphasized that negative global perceptions are exacerbated when individuals abroad facilitate the passage of anti-Pakistan resolutions in foreign countries.
He added that the respect held by the Pakistani passport on May 9, 2025, had significantly improved by May 10, following Pakistan’s response to Indian missile and air strikes.
“When you attempt to malign your own country abroad, the world won’t respect your passport either,” he said, urging national unity to elevate Pakistan’s reputation.
The National Assembly was further informed that the Ministry of Interior is actively working on establishing a new entity — the Pakistan Immigration, Passport, and Visa Authority — to enhance passport security and streamline the visa system.
