Pakistan launches e-passport for citizens; online visa available in 191 countries: Minister

Minister for Interior Sheikh Rasheed Ahmed on Wednesday said e-passport facility has been introduced on the directives of Prime Minister Imran Khan adding that online visa was available in 191 countries and currently no visa case was pending with the interior ministry.

Addressing the launching ceremony in Islamabad, Imran said that e-passport carries various forms of security checks, adding that such extension of benefits to the overseas Pakistanis will ultimately benefit the country.

The prime minister said that overseas Pakistanis are a valuable asset and recently Pakistan has received record remittances from them. The use of technology will make things easier for the people while helping to control and manage corruption, Imran said.

Speaking at launching of e-passport ceremony, Sheikh Rasheed said corruption has totally been eliminated in visa process as earlier Rs100,000 to Rs150,000 per visa bribe was being taken.

He said process of acquiring visa has been made easy and online and the people could get online visa in 191 countries. As many as 88 new Nadraa offices were opened in various part of the country, he said.

He said validity of passport has also been extended from 5 to 10 years to facilitate the overseas Pakistani on same old fee on the directives of Imran Khan. Nadra has started issuing succession certificate across the country and its credit also goes to PM, he added.

Rasheed said popularity of Imran Khan has immensely increased and entire nation was with the PM.

Earlier, Director General Immigration Islam Zeb briefed the participants about the feature of e-passport. The e-passport has 29 latest new security features and electronic chip has been used in it, he said. He said e-passport holder would take benefit of e-gate facility at all airports around the world.