Pakistani passport ranks among lowest globally, admits Ishaq Dar

ISLAMABAD: Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar on Thursday acknowledged that the Pakistani passport currently ranks among the weakest in the world, granting visa-free access to only 35 countries. Minister for Parliamentary Affairs Dr Tariq Fazal Chaudhry blamed overseas Pakistani lawmakers for damaging the country’s reputation by supporting anti-Pakistan resolutions in foreign parliaments.

The disclosure came during the National Assembly session, where the foreign ministry presented details on the passport’s global standing: “When our own Pakistanis abroad push for resolutions against their homeland, how can we expect respect for our passport?” Chaudhry remarked. “Simply printing a fancy passport won’t elevate its status — we must set our own house in order first.”

‘Green’ passport declines in global rankings

He claimed, however, that Pakistan’s global standing had improved following its “strong response” to India on May 9, adding, “Now, people are kissing the hands of Pakistanis abroad.”

The minister also addressed passport misuse, stating that authorities were blocking illegally obtained Pakistani passports, including those used by Afghans and others. “Unless we fix our internal systems, our passport’s prestige won’t rise,” he asserted. No immediate rebuttal was offered by FM Dar to his cabinet colleague’s claims about overseas lawmakers.