Passport fee surges by up to 50%

ISLAMABAD: The new government has implemented a substantial increase in passport fees, marking a historic surge in the country’s fee structure. Effective immediately, the revised fees represent a staggering 50 per cent hike, triggering widespread concern among the populace.

Media reports indicate that the fee for a standard 36-page passport, valid for 5 years, has surged from Rs3,000 to Rs4,500, while the urgent processing fee has spiked from Rs5,000 to Rs7,500. Similarly, the cost of a 10-year passport has risen from Rs4,500 to Rs6,700 for regular processing and from Rs7,500 to Rs11,200 for urgent processing.

Read more: Pakistan’s services sector exports decline for 3rd consecutive month

For larger passports, the fees escalate even further, with a 72-page passport for 5 years now costing Rs8,200 under normal processing and Rs13,500 under urgent processing. Likewise, a 100-page passport valid for 10 years will set applicants back Rs12,400 for standard processing and Rs20,200 for urgent processing.