Issuance of 100-page passports temporarily suspended

ISLAMABAD: The government of Pakistan has announced a temporary suspension of the issuance of 100-page passports, according to an official statement from the Passport Office.

While expressing regret for any inconvenience this may cause, the Passport Office clarified that this decision is part of the Directorate General (DG) of Immigration and Passports’ plan to introduce electronic passports (e-passports) nationwide.

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This transition initially began in Islamabad and has since been extended to all passport offices across the country following the federal government’s introduction of e-passports in June.

As of August 16, 2023, new fee schedules have been implemented for e-passports, while fees for standard passports will remain unchanged.

The schedule of fees for e-passports says that for a standard 36-page e-passport valid for five years, the cost is set at Rs 9,000, while an urgent e-passport is available for Rs 15,000.

The 72-page e-passport for regular processing will cost Rs 16,500, and urgent service for the 72-page e-passport is priced at Rs 27,000.

For a 36-page passport with a ten-year validity, the normal fee is Rs 13,500, and urgent fee is Rs 22,500. Additionally, a 72-page passport with a ten-year validity will incur a standard fee of Rs 24,750, with an urgent processing fee of Rs 40,500.

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The government’s decision to temporarily halt the issuance of 100-page passports is in line with their efforts to streamline passport services and introduce more secure electronic passports to enhance the travel experience for Pakistani citizens. – INP